UNITED STATES OP AMEEICA. 



t 



THE 



INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE 



IX IMPROVING THE 



UNDERSTANDING 

AND 

MORAL CHARACTER. 



/ BY 

JOHN llATTHEWS, D.D., 

PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY IN THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
AT HANOVER AND NEW ALBANY, INDIANA, 
AUTHOR OF 

"LETTERS ON THE DIVINE PURPOSE," ETC. 

WITH A MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR, 
Br JAMES WOOD, D. D., 

PRESIDENT OF HANOVER COLLEGE, INDIANA. 




PHILADELPHIA : 

PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION, 
No. 821 Chestnut Street. 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by 

THE TRUSTEES OF THE 

PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District 
of Pennsylvania. 



STEREOTYPED BY WILLIAM W. HARDING. 




CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Memoir of the Author, 5 

PART I. 

SECTION I. 
Self-Examination Improves the Understanding, . . 17 

SECTION II. 
Exhibitions of "Wisdom Improve the Understanding, . 33 

SECTION III. 
Exhibitions of Greatness Improve the Understanding, . 60 

PART II. 

SECTION I. 
Economy and Industry, Taught in the Bible — Promote 

Human Happiness, 79 

SECTION II. 
Intemperance — Importance of Truth, Justice, Honesty — 

Effects of Sinful Passions, 102 

3 



4 



CONTENTS. 



SECTION III. 

PAGB 

Discontentedness, Peevishness ; Pious Affections Secure 

Peace of Mind, 126 

SECTION IY. 
Meekness, Forbearance, Kindness, &c. Promote Human 

Happiness, . . ... 151 

SECTION V. 
The Gospel furnishes Support in Affliction — Influence of 

Faith, Hope, and Love, . . . . . .174 

SECTION VI. 
The Keligion of the Bible, the True Happiness of Man. 195 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



Some persons are more influenced by the temporal 
benefits of the gospel than by those which are spiritual 
and eternal. To such readers this volume has a special 
adaptation. It is designed to show that genuine religion, 
when sincerely embraced and practised, makes men wiser, 
better, and happier, than others are or can be in similar 
circumstances, without piety. To this end it maintains 
that the acquisition and cordial belief of divine know- 
ledge, as revealed in the Bible, improve the understand- 
ing, and increase our intellectual strength and vigor ; 
that they refine the heart, control the temper, and regu- 
late the life, and thus form a high moral character ; and 
finally that they produce faith, hope, and love, and by 
these powerful and appropriate means support and com- 
fort the soul in adversity. 

In concluding his discussion on the intellectual bene- 
fits of the Bible, our author remarks : " It is readily ad- 
mitted that among the Greeks and Romans, who were 
ignorant of divine revelation, there were many whose 
minds were improved with the knowledge of arts and 
sciences, in a degree far above thousands of Christians. 
1 * (5) 



6 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



This admission, however, does not in the least affect our 
conclusion. No man will affirm that their minds could 
not have been improved in a greater degree than they 
were, by the application of means calculated to produce 
this effect. We contend that the Bible furnishes these 
very means, that the knowledge and belief of its truth 
would have improved their minds in a still greater de- 
gree, and have rendered them still more illustrious than 
they were. If Archimedes had been a sincere and hum- 
ble and devout Christian, he might have been the New- 
ton of the world. If Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and 
Seneca had felt the transforming light and power of the 
Book of God, they might have filled the place now oc- 
cupied by Locke, and Reid, and Beattie, and Paley." 

No less pertinent and expressive are the author's re- 
marks on the moral effects and tendencies of the Bible, 
and its power to promote individual and social happiness. 
" Who," he asks, " can look on the world, agitated and 
afflicted as it is with these restless and guilty passions," 
(alluding to avarice, ambition, pride, anger, revenge, in- 
temperance, &c.,) " without breathing to Heaven an ardent 
desire for some remedy that will restore peace to the 
mind, and relieve mankind from the evils which they 
suffer from this source ? The Bible is that remedy. No 
sooner does its divine light shine into the understanding ; 
no sooner does its sacred truth impress the heart, than a 
change commences, which, in its progress, tends to peace 
and happiness. The proud man becomes humble ; the 
ambitious man becomes moderate in his expectations and 
desires ; envy and jealousy wither and die with the root 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



7 



which nourishes them ; the avaricious man gives up his 
idol, and raises his affections to God ; anger is displaced 
by meekness ; malice, resentment and revenge, by for- 
bearance, the forgiveness of injuries, brotherly-kindness, 
and charity ; the discontented, ill-natured, peevish, mur- 
muring, querulous spirit becomes contented, mild, gentle, 
good-natured, and benevolent. Destroy these evil pas- 
sions and tempers, and you prevent all the misery and 
disquietude which they produce ; excite in their stead 
these friendly and devout affections, and those who cherish 
them will enjoy peace within, become useful members of 
society, and contribute, in no small degree, to the happi- 
ness of all with whom they are connected." Again, 
" The most rational consolation and support, the purest 
joy which man, in this vale of sorrow, can taste ; the 
brightest days which this dark, and miserable, and sinful 
world will ever witness, will be owing to the influence of 
the Book of God." 

In such terms as these does our author eulogize and 
recommend the sacred Scriptures. With him his trea- 
tise was not a mere theory. We state this from personal 
acquaintance. It was our privilege to be officially asso- 
ciated with him nine years. Our personal intercourse 
was also frequent and intimate. We have never known 
a man, who was a finer specimen of those intellectual, 
and especially those moral qualities which ennoble and 
adorn human nature, and show the truth and value of our 
holy religion. 

Dr. Matthews was born in Alamance congregation, 
not far from Greensboro', Guilford County, N. C, Jan 



8 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



19, 1772. His ancestors were Irish. His father was 
not wealth} 7 , and from principle he never owned slaves. 
His son John's early educational advantages were small, 
but he manifested a decided taste for intellectual culture ; 
and while engaged in learning the carpenter's trade, he 
improved his leisure moments in perusing such books as 
fell in his way. At the age of nineteen or twenty he 
sought in good earnest to obtain an education : for which 
purpose he entered a High School, taught by the Kev. 
David Caldwell, D. D., and supported himself in part by 
his trade. During one of his vacations, he aided in fin- 
ishing a house of public worship, particularly the pulpit, 
in which, after his licensure, he preached the gospel. 
His mechanical genius was considerable. He built the 
carriage in which Dr. Caldwell, Principal of the Acad- 
emy, was accustomed to ride. He also constructed a 
planetarium, in which the heavenly bodies were made to 
revolve. This was done soon after the discovery by 
Herschel, of the planet Uranus, and before it had been 
laid down in astronomical charts. But learning from the 
published accounts of its discovery, the plane of its or- 
bit, he, by the aid of his mathematical knowledge, gave 
it its true position in his miniature firmament. 

Dr. Matthews obtained his entire education, literary 
and theological, in Dr. Caldwell's school. u His school/' 
says Dr. Foote, in his Sketches of North Carolina, " was 
the means, during the long period of its continuance, 
of bringing more men into the learned professions than 
any others taught by a single individual, or by a succes- 
sion of teachers during the same period of time. Five 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



9 



of his scholars became governors of States ; a number 
were promoted to the bench," . . . . " a larger num- 
ber, it is supposed about fifty, became ministers of the 
gospel, of whom were" . . . . " Dr. John Mat- 
thews, of Xew Albany, Ind., Dr. Brown, of Tennessee, 
and many others who were shining lights." .... 
" Most, if not all of those whose names have been men- 
tioned as eminent, received their entire classical educa- 
tion from him, and the ministers of the gospel, in addi- 
tion to that, their theological education ; so that for a 
time his school was Academy, College, and Theological 
Seminary. The number of students attending was gen- 
erally from fifty to sixty." 

Dr. Matthews was " licensed to preach by the Presby- 
tery of Orange, in March, 1801, being in his thirtieth 
year." See Dr. Sprague's Annals of the American Pul- 
pit, from which this and some other facts are taken, al- 
though most of our statements are derived from original 
sources. In the autumn after his licensure, he went on a 
missionary tour to the State of Mississippi, which was 
then new and uncultivated. "We have heard him speak 
modestly of his severe exposures, privations, and perils, 
during that tour. He said that u he accomplished, as he 
hoped, some good, and derived personal benefit, by his 
salutary discipline, preparatory to the duties and trials 
which God designed for him in after life." 

In 1803 he became pastor of the Nutbush and Grassy 
Creek churches, in Granville county, N. C, where he re- 
mained till 1806. In 1805 and 180G, two successive 
years, he was sent by his Presbytery as a commissioner to 



10 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



the General Assembly, which circumstance, it is probable, 
led to his forming an acquaintance with the church in 
Martinsburg, Va., from which he received a call in 1806. 
Having accepted their call, he removed from North Car- 
olina to that place ; but in less than two years he re- 
moved again, and became the stated supply of the churches 
of Shepherdstown and Charlestown, Va., to which he 
ministered with fidelity, acceptableness, and success, for 
seventeen or eighteen years ; after which he gave up his 
charge at Shepherdstown, and divided his time between 
Charlestown and Martinsburg, till his removal to the 
West in 1830. How highly he was esteemed as a pastor, 
may be inferred from the fact that about ten years prior 
to his decease, he being then sixty-seven years of age, a 
period when ministers were not often as popular as in 
early life, the church at Charlestown invited him to re- 
sume his pastoral labours among them. 

In 1823 he received the honorary degree of D. D., from 
Washington College, Pa. 

His removal to the West in 1830, was occasioned by a 
call to the professorship of Theology in a Theological 
Seminary about to be commenced at Hanover. Indiana, 
by the name of the Indiana Theological Seminary, and 
under the supervision of the Synod of Indiana. He was 
inaugurated in June, 1831. There was established by 
that Synod, at the same time and place, a Literary In- 
stitution, which, in 1832, was chartered as Hanover Col- 
lege ; an institution which has educated wholly or in part 
about three thousand students, some eight hundred of 
whom have become ministers of the gospel. 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR.. 



11 



Hanover was then new ; most of the western country 
was new, and the pecuniary resources of the College and 
Theological Seminary were inadequate to sustain the pro- 
fessors, except by the most rigid and self-denying economy. 
For several years the two institutions were closely con- 
nected together, and Dr. Matthews gave instruction in 
both; acting also, from 1836 to 1838, as president pro 
tern, of the college. He resided at Hanover till 1840, 
when, on the removal of the Theological Seminary to 
New Albany, he changed his residence to that place, and 
continued there until his decease. This change in the 
location of the seminary resulted from a desire of the 
Synod of Indiana to secure the co-operation of the other 
western Synods, for which purpose a convention was 
called, composed of delegates from several Synods, to 
deliberate on the subject, and to decide by a majority of 
votes at what point the seminary should be established. 
New Albany was fixed upon as the location, at which 
place it assumed the name of the New Albany Theologi- 
cal Seminary, and was carried on under the control of 
from four to seven Synods, until 1857, when it was re- 
moved again to Chicago, 111., with another change of 
name to the Theological Seminary of the Northwest. 
In 1859, it was placed under the care of the General 
Assembly, and it is now conducted under the supervision 
of that body. In anticipation of the removal of the 
seminary from Hanover, the Library, which belonged 
jointly to the College and Theological Seminary, was di- 
vided, and twenty-six hundred volumes, a portion of which 
had been collected by Dr. Matthews, were conveyed to 



12 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



New Albany. Many of these volumes were large and 
valuable standard works, some of them old and rare ; to 
which additions were subsequently made of about one 
thousand volumes more, and the whole now compose a 
part of the library of the Theological Seminary of the 
Northwest, at Chicago. 

Dr. Matthews resided at Hanover nine years, and at 
New Albany eight. He departed this life at the latter 
place, May 19, 1848, in the 77th year of his age. His 
end was peace. We conversed with him several times 
on the subject of personal religion, during the last few 
days of his life ; the last time about an hour before his 
decease. In one of these conversations allusion was made 
to Solomon's description of old age, in the 12th chapter 
of Ecclesiastes. He remarked, " That description suits 
my case ; the machine is nearly run down ; worn out 
and added, to the effect, that in the heavenly state, our 
resurrection bodies will be restored to perfect health and 
vigour, never again to suffer decay. 

As a man, Dr. Matthews possessed talents of a high 
order. His reasoning powers were acute, his judgment 
sound, and his mind well balanced and well cultivated. 
His knowledge was extensive, and in some departments 
he was a profound scholar. Few excelled him in clear- 
ness of metaphysical discussion, and his familiarity with 
the original language of the New Testament was remark- 
able. To the very close of his life he could quote with 
ease many of the most important words, and give a criti- 
cal exposition of their import. 

But his moral and religious character exceeded his in- 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



13 



tellectual. Ordinarily he was rather taciturn, but when 
called out, his conversational powers were good, and his 
words were uniformly seasoned with salt. He was pleas- 
ant, but never light and trifling. He did not speak or 
act precipitately or rashly, but with suitable deliberation 
and caution, and a due regard to the proprieties of the 
case. He never spoke evil concerning his neighbours. 
He therefore neither kindled the flame of discord, nor 
fanned and kept it alive after it had been kindled by 
others. On the contrary, he " followed peace with all 
men," and seldom, if ever, failed to " live peaceably with 
all." His language and conduct were invariably so kind 
and sincere, as to produce the general impression that he 
was " an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." 
He was also so meek as to disarm those who might other- 
wise have been disposed to be disrespectful or insulting. 
He never rendered evil for evil, and if he ever felt anger 
rising in his heart, he always suppressed it before it be- 
came visible in his countenance. We learned from one 
who knew him in early life, that these qualities were not 
natural, but acquired ; partly by much self-discipline, 
and still more by divine grace. His piety was not im- 
pulsive, but practical ; not fluctuating, now joyful, and 
then melancholy ; but constant and regular in its mani- 
festation as the return of day. 

Some traits in his character maj T be seen more clearly 
by a few incidents. He was remarkable for punctuality 
in meeting his appointments ; but his watch occasionally 
failed to keep good time. When, as a consequence of 
this failure, he was sometimes too late, he would remark, 



14 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



" My watch is not a moral agent." His manner of re- 
proving sin, though effective, seldom gave offence. When 
officiating as President pro tempore of Hanover College, 
he heard a student use profane language, while engaged 
in chopping a stick of wood. Dr. Matthews took the 
axe from his hands, cut the wood in two pieces, and then 
remarked to the young man, " You perceive that a stick 
of wood can be cut in two without swearing." He had a 
strong aversion to any appendage which was worn for 
show, and not from necessity or utility. When he was 
about seventy years old, a friend presented him with a 
cane. He thanked him for the offer, but declined its 
acceptance, saying, " When I am old enough, sir, to need 
a cane, I will gladly accept your gift." 

As a preacher, Dr. Matthews was always listened to 
with attention and interest, though he would not be 
called a pulpit orator. Owing to a trembling in his hands, 
he employed his pen but little during the last eighteen 
or twenty years of his life. Hence we never heard him 
preach a written discourse. But he spoke with fluency, 
though not rapidly ; and he was so accurate in the use of 
terms, that he seldom recalled a word after it was uttered, 
or had any occasion to change it for another, better 
adapted to express his meaning. He addressed the un- 
derstanding rather than the imagination. Hence he did 
not abound in rhetorical figures. He used to counsel his 
students not to go out of their way to gather flowers ; 
but to use them moderately, if they found them in their 
path, and when their use would elucidate the sense or 
increase the power of their sermons. He was an earnest 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



15 



preacher, but not impassioned; edifying and impressive, 
but not often, though occasionally, pathetic. His pathos, 
when it occurred, was no studied effort to touch the sen- 
sibilities of his audience, but the spontaneous effusion of 
his own heart, moved by the tenderness of his" subject, 
and in these cases his hearers were often melted to tears. 
When he attended ecclesiastical bodies, it was always ex- 
pected that he would preach once at least during the 
meeting ; and though he did not put himself forward, he 
never declined performing the service, when, by the ap- 
pointment of the Presbytery or Synod, it became, as he 
thought, his duty. In the discussions which arose in the 
body, during the progress of business, he often remained 
silent, while his juniors in age and experience were per- 
mitted to take a leading part ; but when his voice was 
heard, his manner was characterized by simplicity and 
sincerity, and his matter by good sense and sound wisdom. 

As a professor of theology, Dr. Matthews was able and 
diligent. For the reason already mentioned, he did not 
write his lectures in full ; but they were thoroughly di- 
gested, and highly satisfactory to the students. He 
commenced the year with a brief course on Mental Phi- 
losophy ; and this was succeeded by didactic, polemic, 
and pastoral theology, together with the composition and 
delivery of sermons ; in all of which his instructions 
would compare favourably with those given on the same 
subjects at any other theological seminary in our country. 

As an author, Dr. Matthews published far less than 
he would have done under other circumstances. He 
once remarked pleasantly, in our hearing, that, " if it had 



16 



MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



Dot been for this trembling hand, which unfitted him for 
holding a pen, the world would probably have been af- 
flicted with more of his writings than was now the case." 
Except his Inaugural Address, at Hanover, in 1831, and 
a sermon contributed to a " Volume of Sermons by Pres- 
byterian Ministers in the Mississippi Valley," in 1833, 
with a few short articles for religious periodicals, he pub- 
lished nothing, we believe, after his removal to the West. 
From 1812 to 1826, his publications consisted of seven 
occasional sermons, and two series of articles in the 
" Literary and Theological Magazine," edited by Dr. John 
H. Rice, of Richmond, Va., entitled " Letters on the 
Divine Purpose," and " The Influence of the Bible, in 
improving the Understanding and Moral Character." 
His letters on the Divine Purpose, after being collected 
into a volume, passed through several editions, and were 
afterwards issued by the Presbyterian Board of Publica- 
tion. They have placed their author among the best 
standard theological writers of the present age. His 
articles on the Influence of the Bible, now issued by the 
same Board, were first republished in a volume in 1833. 
Its circulation has been limited, but it only requires to 
become as well known as the other volume just men- 
tioned, in order to make it as highly appreciated. The 
two together, like the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, in 
Solomon's temple, are strong and valuable supports in 
the temple of truth, and a fitting memorial of a man 
whose talents, learning, piety, and usefulness entitle him 
to be held in lasting remembrance. 

Hanover, Ind., October 5, 1863. J AMES WOOD. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



PART I. 



SECTION I. 

Self-examination improves the understanding. 

The great design of the Bible is to qualify men 
for the life to come ; yet in producing this effect, 
it is pleasing to know and observe the direct and 
powerful tendency which it possesses and exerts in 
qualifying them for respectability and usefulness 
in this life. When it is understood and received 
in the love of it, the character, both intellectual and 
moral, will be improved ; and under its influence 
and its guidance, those habits will be formed on 
which the happiness and prosperity of civil society 
very much depend. If it could be divested of its 
spiritual tendencies, of its influence in producing 
that holiness, ivithout which no man shall see the 
Lord, it is still worthy of our grateful acknowledg- 
ment on account of its numerous and benign effects 
on human life. 

It will contribute very much to the improvement 
of the understanding. The mind, as well as the 
2* 17 



18 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



body, will acquire habits from the frequent repeti- 
tion of the same exercises. Those parts of the 
body which are employed in the performance of 
work, requiring strength, will acquire an enlarge- 
ment and firmness of muscle, fitting them for the 
task, which, without this exercise they would not 
possess, and which will render them rather dispro- 
portionate to the other parts of the same body. 
Instances of this kind come under the observation 
of every person. Such is also the case with the 
mind ; its vigour and enlargement depend very 
much on its habitual exercise. If circumstances 
confine its operations to but few objects, and these 
requiring but little intellectual effort to understand 
them, the mind will be contracted in its capacity, 
and feeble in its powers. But if the objects about 
which it is employed are diversified and difficult of 
comprehension, the mind will become enlarged, and 
its faculties will be strengthened. Some minds, 
indeed, possess a native, restless, irrepressible vigour 
w r hich will burst through the restraints thrown 
around it by the most unfavourable circumstances. 
You might as well expect to suppress the subterra- 
nean fountains from bursting forth, and urging their 
way to the wide ocean, or to quiet that ocean with 
a word, as to expect that such a mind will rest till 
it finds its own element : it will struggle, it will rise 
until it reaches a theatre presenting it with objects 
which will give it, at once, employment, delight, and 
improvement. In general, however, the intellectual 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 19 



character of man depends on the circumstances with 
which he is surrounded. The objects to which the 
mind is habitually applied impart to it something of 
their own character. If they are few and simple, 
they will contract and enfeeble the mind ; if numer- 
ous and complicated, they will enlarge and strengthen 
it ; if grand and sublime, they will give it a pleas- 
ing elevation and expansion. 

For this reason classical studies should hold their 
place in literary institutions. They are valuable, 
not on account of the useful and practical informa- 
tion which they furnish, but for the mental disci- 
pline which they give ; for the habits of discrimina- 
tion and logical reasoning which the student ac- 
quires; habits which cannot fail to be highly useful 
in every department of life, in every exercise of the 
understanding. For this reason the science of 
astronomy is always delightful and improving ; the 
order, the connection, the grandeur of the objects 
embraced in this study cannot fail to elevate and 
expand the mind. 

On this principle it is, we affirm that the Bible 
will improve the intellectual character of the Chris- 
tian. The objects which it presents to bis considera- 
tion, and about which his thoughts must be, with 
more or less interest, employed, are numerous, com- 
plicated, and beyond conception grand and sublime. 
Their number will give variety to the exercise of 
his mind ; their complex nature will increase the 
power of discrimination, and strengthen the reason- 



20 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



ing faculty ; their infinite magnitude and import- 
ance, their attractive majesty and glory will give a 
conscious and pleasing elevation and enlargement 
to the whole soul. 

The Christian is required to be ready always to 
give an answer to every man that asketli him, a 
reason of the hope that is in him, with meekness and 
fear. This implies that all genuine religious hope 
is supported by certain reasons, or evidence, with 
which he is to become acquainted, and which he is 
to ascertain, not by intuition, nor by miracle, nor 
by any immediate revelation from God, but by fre- 
quently and closely investigating his own heart, 
with all its varied and complicated exercises and 
emotions. He is also required to examine himself 
whether he be in the faith, to know and to prove 
himself. Examination, with a view to a correct de- 
cision, implies the comparison of various things 
with each other, and with some acknowledged stand- 
ard. Were there no spurious exercises of a re- 
ligious nature, none which so nearly resemble the 
true, as, without the strictest investigation, to en- 
danger the great interests of the soul, this examina- 
tion would be unnecessary. But this Is not the case ; 
there are such spurious exercises of the heart : 
every feature of the Christian character has its 
counterfeit. The object of examination is to dis- 
criminate between the spurious and the genuine ex- 
ercise, between the true feature and its mere resem- 
blance. He is to examine whether his faith be the 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



21 



living word of God, with all its energies, transferred 
and rooted in the soul, working hj love, purifying 
the heart, overcoming the world ; or a mere paint- 
ing of fancy, nothing but the images and workings 
of the imagination, or nothing but a collection of 
ideas, without any transforming effect on the heart 
and on the life. The true Christian loves God. 
But he is not to admit, without impartial inquiry, 
that every motion which he feels, that every joyous 
glow which warms his heart, is that love. He must 
ascertain whether its principle is selfish, or spiritual 
and generous ; whether it regards the whole char- 
acter of God, displayed through the cross of Christ 
in the salvation of sinners, or merely what is sup- 
posed to be the mercy of God, but which in truth 
is little more than a human weakness, and especially 
whether it leaves him satisfied with a partial observ- 
ance of only some few precepts of the gospel, or by 
its holy and ceaseless workings, prompts him to 
sincere and uniform obedience to all the will of 
God, to the whole system of Christian duty. He 
is to love his fellow-christians, not because they 
hold the same creed, and belong to the same denom- 
ination with himself, but because they bear the 
image of their common Saviour. In like manner, 
every other affection of his heart is to be submitted 
to the same scrutiny; his repentance, gratitude, 
meekness, &c. 

In this investigation he not only compares these 
feelings with each other, but he compares them with 



22 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

the word of God, which he adopts as the standard, 
the only infallible Judge in such cases. There he 
learns the nature of all affections truly devout ; 
there he learns the effect they will have on the tem- 
per of his mind, and on his life ; he there hears the 
voice of the Spirit, testifying what are the charac- 
teristic features of a child of God. With this he 
compares the witness of his own spirit, obtained by 
this careful investigation ; if they agree together, 
he concludes that he is a child of God. On this 
concurrent testimony of his own spirit and the 
spirit of God his hope rests as its foundation ; this 
is the reason w T hich he is ready to give for the hope 
which he entertains of acceptance with God, and of 
final salvation. 

Again : although the precepts of the Bible are 
remarkable for their jplainness and extent, yet a 
thousand cases will occur for which there is no ex- 
plicit direction. To expect this in the Bible would 
be most unreasonable ; such instructions would swell 
the volume to a useless size. Circumstances may 
often surround the Christian, in which he is com- 
pelled to act, which require much deliberation to 
discover what course he ought to pursue. In this 
state he is often conscious of painful suspense ; and, 
if permitted, would offer up the prayer that a voice 
from heaven would decide the doubtful case, or that 
a pillar of cloud would move in the direction he 
ought to take. Neither voice nor cloud, however, 
decides the case. Inclination may prove an unsafe 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



23 



guide, and lead him widely astray. He must con- 
sider, he must compare, he must reason, he must 
judge for himself where the path of duty lies. He 
will keep in view the great principles of Christian 
morals laid dow^n in the gospel ; he will consider 
what aid can be derived from the example of the 
Saviour ; he will reflect on the tendency of the 
proposed course, the effect it will probably have on 
others, and on the interests of the church ; he will 
especially anticipate, as near as possible, the deci- 
sion of his omniscient Judge. Thus he will delib- 
erate ; and finally take that course for which there 
is the greatest weight of reason, which he judges to 
be upon the whole, best. Sometimes as he advances, 
he is more and more cheered with the conviction 
that his decision was correct, that he escaped from 
his difficulties by the right direction ; sometimes he 
advances with painful hesitancy ; and sometimes he 
is convinced that, though honest in his inquiries, 
yet he was mistaken in his conclusion. 

Now we maintain that this is as real a process of 
reasoning as the acquisition of language, or the 
study of science ; and that it is as well calculated 
to improve the intellectual faculties as either of 
these are. The method of reasoning, and of reach- 
ing the conclusion, as far as the nature of the case 
will admit, is the method of Newton. That great 
philosopher took nothing for granted which could 
be tested by experiment ; he built no theories on 
mere conjecture, drew no important conclusions from 



24 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



mere assumption. His conclusions were derived 
from principles well established ; while evidence de- 
rived from experiments, from analogy, and from in- 
duction, supported his principles. This is the method 
of the Christian ; he takes nothing for granted ; 
his conclusions do not rest on mere assumption or 
conjecture. He has the advantage of an experi- 
ence both extensive and diversified. His whole life 
is a scene of trials ; and every trial brings his 
principles to the test of experience. By this ex- 
perience he obtains much valuable knowledge, be- 
comes wiser, and better qualified for future useful- 
ness. The conclusion that he is a child of God, 
and his hope of acceptance, rest on the evidence of 
induction from a number of particulars. Indeed 
this is as complete an exemplification of this method 
as can be found in the whole range of philosophy. 
His faith, his love, his repentance, his gratitude, &c, 
are all examined separately ; but his conclusion and 
his hope do not rest on the evidence furnished by 
either of these alone ; but on that furnished by all 
of them combined. Newton, convinced that every 
effect must have an adequate cause, often dis- 
covered the cause by considering the effect : and 
having ascertained the nature and properties of the 
cause, with safety, inferred the effect which would 
result from its operation. This is pre-eminently 
the method of the Christian. He who believes that 
the grass and the flowers of the field receive their 
nicest tints and diversified hues of colouring from 



THE INFLUENCE OE THE BIBLE. 



25 



the pencil of divine skill, that a sparrow cannot fall 
to the ground without the special design of Heaven, 
cannot, and does not believe that the devout affec- 
tions and pious dispositions of his heart are the re- 
sult of chance or of accident. All these affections 
are distinctly traced to the word of God, as their 
instrumental cause. The rejoicing of his hope is 
produced by the doctrine of the atonement ; the 
love which warms his heart and cheers his journey 
through life is kindled by the truth, that God is 
love; that reverence which bows his soul within 
him is the effect of beholding the majesty and holi- 
ness of the Great Jehovah. 

Having learned the nature and tendency of this 
truth, he calculates with certainty on all the va- 
rious and happy effects it will produce on the minds 
of others. This conclusion inspires him with zeal 
to diffuse the knowledge of this truth through the 
earth, and to bring all men to feel its power in re- 
forming the heart and the life. When he hears of 
the repentance of a sinner, even in the remotest 
corner of the earth, on the principles of analogy, 
he knows what those feelings are, and by what 
means they are excited. Newton sometimes gen- 
eralized ; that is, ascribed various effects to the 
same cause. The planets, so various in magnitude 
and the velocity with which they move, at such im- 
mense distances from each other and from their 
common centre, are bound together in one complete 
and harmonious system by the principle of attrac- 
3 



26 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



tion. This same principle holds together the par- 
ticles of this earth, gives to it its solidity and figure, 
and causes all the detached bodies with which it is 
surrounded to adhere to its surface. This same 
principle of attraction unites together, with more 
or less firmness of cohesion, the particles of every 
species, and every separate piece of matter. This 
great principle pervades, unites, and governs, sub- 
ordinate to the design of the Supreme Ruler, the 
whole material universe, from the sun in the cen- 
tre, to the remotest planet which revolves around 
him, even to the wandering comet which flies off 
into distant regions, where human observation can- 
not reach. Every species and shape which matter 
assumes, from the mightiest globe to the smallest 
atom, feel and obey its power. How striking is 
the analogy between this attraction and the Chris- 
tian's faith ! Jesus Christ is the sun and centre of 
the Christian system, of the moral universe. All 
Christians are united to him by faith ; by the same 
faith they are united to each other. They may 
live in ages and in regions of this world widely re- 
mote from each other; but united by this principle, 
they are members of one body, are formed into 
one system, compose one family. By the same 
faith, through the atoning blood of a Divine Sa- 
viour, they obtain the pardon of sin, acceptance 
and reconciliation with God. While this faith per- 
vades and unites the whole system, it operates, in 
the hands of God the Spirit, with vital and trans- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



27 



forming energy in the heart of each individual. By 
the word of God, the knowledge and belief of 
which is faith, the soul is begotten, or quickened, 
when dead in trespasses and in sins, is roused from 
a state of insensibility, the first impression of 
spiritual things is made, a new direction is given to 
the thoughts, and a new impulse to the feelings. 
By the word of God the Christian is born again ; 
by faith his heart is purified ; by faith he walks, or 
regulates his life ; by faith he sees and feels the 
importance of spiritual realities ; by faith he over- 
comes the world ; by the power of God through 
faith he is kept unto salvation. The effects of at- 
traction in the material system are not more nu- 
merous, important, and diversified, than are those of 
faith in the Christian system. In perfect accord- 
ance with the design of Him who worketh all things 
after the counsel of Ms own will, this principle 
unites all the countless millions of the redeemed to 
each other and to Christ, through whom it obtains 
their pardon and acceptance with God ; in each in- 
dividual, separately, its reforming energy is felt ; 
all the faculties of his soul, all the affections of his 
heart, all the ceaseless workings and movements of 
his thoughts, feel its purifying and decisive control. 
Newton, on every side, and at no great distance, 
met with barriers over which he could not pass, be- 
yond which his investigations could not with suc- 
cess be carried. He assured his disciples that there 
existed, in the material universe, a principle which 



28 



THE INFLUENCE OP THE BIBLE. 



he called attraction ; but that he could not define 
to them the abstract principle, otherwise than by 
its effects. He told them that there were proper- 
ties of matter so recondite as to baffle all his efforts 
to detect and describe them. When he came to 
these barriers, with a noble modesty, he acknow- 
ledged his inability to proceed further : he would 
not amuse their credulity with mere conjectures re- 
specting the dark regions, forbidden to human in- 
quiry. This acknowledgment evinces the great- 
ness of his mind as clearly as do the numerous and 
important discoveries which he made. Yet on this 
account his system is not rejected. The facts which 
he ascertained by experiment, the principles which 
he illustrated and proved from their effects, are all 
admitted and received. The Christian also states 
his facts, ascertained from numerous and various 
experiments ; he offers, in support of his principles, 
illustrations and proofs, as satisfactory to the can- 
did mind as those of mathematics. Within certain 
limits his vision and his comprehension are clear ; 
beyond those limits, he acknowledges there are some 
things incomprehensible. He believes in the ex- 
istence and operations of the Holy Spirit, though 
he can comprehend neither his existence nor the 
manner of his operations. He feels and he wit- 
nesses important and numerous effects which he 
ascribes to this agency, and for which this belief 
furnishes a satisfactory account. Why should the 
wisdom of this ivorld show itself by rejecting this 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



29 



system or any part of it, for reasons which bear 
with equal, if not greater force against the New- 
tonian system ? Why should more be expected 
from the advocate of Christianity than is expected 
from Newton ? In both systems there is a series of 
well authenticated facts ; in both there are many 
things perceived an<J comprehended with sufficient 
clearness to answer ,all useful purposes ; in both 
are some things incomprehensible, which can be 
known only by their effects. Let both systems be 
viewed with the same unjaundiced eye, and modesty 
will induce these wise men to admit and receive 
both. Finally ; Newton laid down first principles 
from which he never departed ; and which aided 
and guided him in all his investigations. By these 
he catechized every new phenomenon which met his 
observation, until he ascertained its origin, the 
cause by which it was produced, and the class to 
which it belonged. If once satisfied on these 
particulars, the fact or the discovery was laid up 
for usefulness in future, as occasion might require. 
But if no satisfactory account could be obtained, 
the matter is left for the present, and no use is 
made of it. Thus he proceeded with safety, and 
made those large additions to the stock of useful 
knowledge which have crowned his name with de- 
served and lasting renown. The Bible contains the 
first principtles of the Christian. By these he is 
directed and aided in all his inquiries ; examines all 
the aspects which religion assumes ; all the various 
3 * 



30 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



and conflicting opinions and customs which prevail 
in this mutable world ; tries the exercises of his 
own heart, and the actions of his own life ; judges 
the profession and the life of others. In this bal- 
ance he weighs the world that now is, and that 
which is to come. All that meets the approbation 
of this judge, he receives and treasures up for use- 
fulness in future ; that which appears doubtful, he 
lets remain for farther consideration ; that which 
is condemned, he utterly rejects and avoids. Hence 
he loves this book, and esteems it more precious 
than treasures of gold. Thus he advances along 
the journey of life, passes through its temptations 
and its snares ; bears its afflictions and trials with 
safety ; and thus he will receive, if not the admira- 
tion and applause of this world, what is infinitely 
more important, the blessing and approbation of 
God, his Judge. 

Such is the field of investigation presented to 
the Christian, and such the exercise furnished 
to his understanding in proving himself, in keep- 
ing his heart, in guarding against deception, in 
building himself up in the comfort of hope, in as- 
certaining the path of his duty. Nor is this exer- 
cise of the intellect, this process of reasoning, to be 
carried on merely for a day or a year ; but for 
every day and every year of his life. Every day 
the movements of his heart are to be watched and 
examined ; every day the path of duty is to be 
sought and pursued through all the perplexing and 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



31 



changing circumstances which may diversify his 
life. Without this he cannot feel that joy and peace 
which cheer and encourage him to persevere ; he 
cannot be useful to the church ; he deserves not the 
name of Christian. 

Xow we think it evidently appears, that if the 
study of philosophy, according to the principles of 
Newton, is calculated to improve the understanding, 
so is the study of the Bible, more especially when it 
thoroughly penetrates the soul with its living power. 
The Christian may know nothing of philosophy, or 
of its principles ; yet in working out his own salva- 
tion, his inquiries and his conclusions are according 
to these principles. He does not make these in- 
quiries and pursue this course with the design of 
improving his intellectual faculties ; the improve- 
ment of his heart is the great object ; yet in pur- 
suing this purpose, his understanding is necessarily 
exercised in such a manner, as cannot fail to im- 
prove it. Thousands may be engaged in the study 
of philosophy, whose object is not the improvement 
of the mind, but to qualify themselves for useful- 
ness, to gain a subsistence, or to gratify their own 
taste or inclination ; yet from such study, the mind 
will necessarily derive improvement. It is not the 
design of the industrious mechanic to enlarge and 
strengthen those parts of the body which are habi- 
tually employed ; yet this will be the result of such 
employment. By this discipline the faculty of 
perception will be quickened, the power of discrim- 



32 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



ination and correct decision will be strengthened. 
The Christian may know nothing of the name or 
the meaning of metaphysics; but he is in reality a 
metaphysician. He is habitually employed about 
abstract ideas, addressed, not to his senses, but to 
his understanding. Mind, and its operations, en- 
gage his close and constant attention. Thus while 
his object is to prepare himself for heaven, to se- 
cure for himself a crown of life, his understanding 
brightens and improves by the means which he uses 
to gain that high and holy purpose. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



33 



SECTION II. 

Exhibitions of Wisdom improve the understanding. 

Exhibitions of wisdom", in harmonizing real and 
apparent discordancies, and arranging and bringing 
into operation a series of means for the accomplish- 
ment of some great and good purpose, always fur- 
nish a pleasing and improving exercise to the under- 
standing. In considering such displays, we make 
more or less effort to follow the operations of that 
mind whose wisdom we behold, in its deliberations, 
its arrangements, and designs. If there is hope of 
success in the attempt, we exert our understanding 
to comprehend these operations, and thus to equal 
the wisdom which we contemplate ; or if this ap- 
pears impracticable, we admire that greatness which 
we can neither equal nor comprehend. Such efforts 
will never fail to improve the mind which makes 
them. 

That the material creation displays, in a high de- 
gree, the wisdom of God, is universally admitted. 
Every part of matter, animate and inanimate, from 
the insect of an hour, to the mightiest orb that pur- 
sues its majestic round in the heavens, manifests a 



34 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

wisdom worthy of the great Creator. But while 
this is readily admitted, we affirm, without hesita- 
tion, because we solemnly believe it, that the cross 
of Christ furnishes a display of wisdom as much 
greater than this, as the heavens are higher than 
the earth, as mind is superior to matter. In its 
finest and purest state, matter is too gross to receive 
and display the greatest exhibitions of wisdom : an 
intelligent being, a moral agent, alone can answer 
this purpose. From the hands of an artist, a block 
of wood may receive the shape, but never can re- 
ceive the polish of the finest marble, or the purest 
metal. In the material creation, there is nothing 
but mere inert, unresisting matter to arrange and 
to govern : but in the moral world, there is intel- 
lect, with its own designs and decisions to manage; 
there is thought to guide; there is passion, affection, 
and disposition to control. An artist can give form 
and proportion, and almost breath and animation, 
to the marble and to the canvass. But the marble 
has no design of its own to change and to govern, 
makes no objection, offers no opposition to his will; 
the colours form no scheme to thwart and disap- 
point his design, but dwell on the canvass in that 
proportion of light and shade, which he is pleased 
to give them. But how widely different, and how 
much more difficult is the task, to form a moral 
character after a given pattern ! Let the experi- 
ment be made on a child, and let it commence from 
the very cradle. Let the pattern after which it 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



35 



is to be formed be taken from the world ; one whose 
heart is untouched and unreformed by the gospel : 
one of the best specimens of morality without vital 
piety. In accomplishing this task, it is not unin- 
telligent, unresisting matter that is to be formed 
and proportioned ; but there is an intelligent being, 
an unfolding mind, with all its own views, conclu- 
sions, and designs to manage : here is a ceaseless flow 
of thought to direct, and direct too at every hour ; 
here springing up from within, are passions, desires, 
hopes, and fears, combined in a thousand diversified 
forms and degrees, to control. All parents who 
have been faithful to their children ; all instructors 
of youth, who are worthy the useful and honourable 
station which they fill, will anticipate much that 
might be said on this subject ; and will unite in de- 
claring, as the result of their experience, that the 
task is extremely difficult, and, in most cases, sur- 
passed their utmost skill and perseverance. Still 
more difficult would it be to change a character 
already formed after a model, the reverse of that 
which you would wish it to be. Seldom, indeed, 
does the wisdom and benevolence of man succeed 
in this attempt. The hard lessons of adversity, the 
recoil of past folly and imprudence, sometimes ef- 
fect considerable changes for the better. But, in 
general, the character thus formed remains and is 
confirmed to the last. The thoughts and passions, 
the most essential features of moral character, with 
extreme reluctance forsake their accustomed chan- 



36 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



nel, to flow in one entirely new. To form the char- 
acter of a child after the model of the gospel, is as 
much more difficult than the former case, as the 
morality of the gospel is more pure and more per- 
fect than that of the world. In this attempt, in- 
surmountable obstacles meet and frustrate the best 
directed efforts of human agency. Most of all is 
it difficult to change a character, formed and con- 
firmed by the practice and indulgence of many 
years in vice and sin, and bring it to bear the image 
of Jesus Christ. Among the best efforts which man 
can make with this view, are his humble confessions 
of utter inability, and his earnest prayers for that 
divine power which alone can answer this purpose. 
Now, this is the very change which the gospel pro- 
poses, and which the gospel accomplishes, in every 
case where it is cordially received. 

While, therefore, the world of matter gives bright 
and striking displays of the divine wisdom, far 
brighter and more striking are the displays of that 
wisdom, furnished in the cross of Christ. The gos- 
pel is truly and emphatically the wisdom of God. 
We admire the wisdom of creation ; we more than 
admire, we adore, the wisdom of redemption. 

Every department of nature will amply repay 
the diligent student of her mysteries with the im- 
provement of his understanding, and with the bene- 
fits to mankind which often result from his investi- 
gations. The physician has a field of inquiry more 
than sufficient to engage his attention through life, 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



37 



in the anatomy and diseases of the human body, 
and in the nature and properties of those remedies 
which he provides for these diseases. The meta- 
physician and the moralist are the physicians of 
the mind ; they dissect its parts, arrange its facul- 
ties and its powers, point out its diseases, and pre- 
scribe the remedies for these diseases. The astro- 
nomer bounds from the surface of this little earth to 
the remotest planet, measures its distance and its 
magnitude, calculates its orbit and its velocity. He 
chases the comet in its retrograde flight, till it dis- 
appears and leaves him gazing on empty space. 
He turns his view to the faintest star which can be 
made to twinkle on his eye through the best optical 
instrument. Aided by analogy, he surrounds each 
of these luminous points with a system of revolving 
planets, like that to which he belongs. Each of 
these behold, with admiration and delight, the 
wisdom of God — the astronomer, on a grander 
scale, but not in more diversified forms, nor in 
clearer displays, than the anatomist. The Chris- 
tian, without neglecting these studies, takes his stand 
at the cross of a Divine Saviour ; there, with de- 
vout adoration and the purest delight, he beholds 
the brightest displays of divine wisdom that ever 
were made to intelligent beings. 

The object proposed is not only great and good, 
but the greatest and the best — the glory of God, 
the manifestation of his own infinite excellence. 
This purpose is answered, in part, by the work of 
4 



38 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



creation ; but in a much higher degree, by the work 
of redemption. The power, wisdom, and goodness 
of God, are exhibited in creation ; in addition to 
these, the mercy, compassion, and forbearance of 
God, are displayed in the salvation of sinners. None 
but intelligent creatures, or moral agents, can be 
guilty, for they alone can transgress a moral law ; 
and none but the guilty can be objects of mercy, 
compassion, and forbearance. Matter, therefore, 
in its sublimest order and arrangement, in its most 
complex organization, never could be the channel 
of communication for these divine perfections. In 
the cross of Christ alone they are displayed, and 
surround the character of Deity with its mildest 
majesty and most attractive glory. What will be 
the character of the new heavens and the new 
earth, mentioned in Scripture, we cannot tell ; but 
the heavens and the earth which we now behold are 
doomed to change, and to pass away. But every 
sinner, redeemed by the blood of Christ, shall re* 
main an everlasting monument of the wisdom as 
well as the mercy of God. 

Wisdom is perceived not only in the object which 
it proposes, but also in the appointment and ar- 
rangement of means adapted to the accomplishment 
of this object. Here we are lost in pious astonish- 
ment at the displays of infinite wisdom in these ar- 
rangements. There are numerous and diversified 
series of means, involving each other, connected 
with each other, and subordinate to each other. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



39 



The first series is in subordination to the great 
and ultimate object. With regard to the second 
series, the first is a primary object, for the-accom- 
plishment of which the second is wisely adapted. 
The second, while it operates in subordination to 
the first, is, with regard to the third, a primary ob- 
ject, for the promotion of which the arrangements 
of the third are made. The third series again is a 
primary object with regard to the fourth, and the 
fourth to the fifth, and so on through the whole gra- 
dation. The fifth, by promoting the fourth, pro- 
motes the third, and thus also the second, and the 
first, and ultimately the great pre-eminent purpose. 
Take away the fifth, and the fourth will not answer 
the intended purpose ; for want of the fourth, the 
third will be deprived of its energy ; the second, of 
course, will be affected for want of the third ; and 
the first again for want of the second : and thus 
the great object will be prevented by the failure of 
any part of those means on the operation of which 
it depends for its accomplishment. The wisdom of 
God, however, has effectually guarded against the 
possibility of any such failure. Every series, and 
every part of that series, operates in perfect order 
and at the proper time. Nothing is premature ; 
nothing is tardy ; nothing is excessive ; nothing 
is deficient. Thus a great system is formed em- 
bracing a vast concatenation of causes and effects, 
all converging to one point, all promoting one 
grand object. 



40 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



The death of Jesus Christ was necessary, as far 
as we can judge, as the means of displaying the di- 
vine glory in the salvation of sinners. This har- 
monized the justice and mercy of God, and thus 
furnishes a very striking exhibition of the wisdom 
of Deity. Before their union was demonstrated 
by this event, they might have been supposed irre- 
concilable. Mercy can only be exercised in the 
pardon of sin ; but sin deserves punishment ; and 
justice requires the infliction of deserved punish- 
ment. The sinner cannot be pardoned, if he suf- 
fers the demerit of his crimes ; for pardon is de- 
liverance from such punishment. In the cross 
these apparently discordant attributes unite in per- 
fect harmony ; and by their union increase the glory 
of each other : God is just as well as merciful, in 
the pardon of sin. 

While the death of Christ is the means of mani- 
festing the divine glory, it is itself a great object, 
to which a vast variety of arrangements are sub- 
ordinate. Had man, by his wisdom, been required 
to fix on the proper time for this event, he would 
probably have erected the cross immediately after 
the fall. Let the remedy, h.e would probably have 
said, be provided and be known, as soon as the dis- 
ease is felt. Let the knowledge of the atonement 
descend and spread with the descending and spread- 
ing contagion of sin. The wisdom of God, how- 
ever, determined otherwise. For many ages, but 
few and faint intimations of his merciful designs 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



41 



were given ; and the world was left to make a 
grand experi ent on its own principles — an experi- 
ment which we need not wish to see repeated. The 
wickedness of men became so great, that even the 
patience of God could tolerate them no longer on 
the earth : they were swept off by the deluge. That 
period at which the crucifixion of the Saviour was 
to take place, is called, in Scripture, the fulness of 
time ; that is, when the world was prepared for it. 
Either sooner or later, there is reason to believe, 
would not so well have answered the purpose in 
view. Expectation was to be excited. With this 
view, Abraham was called; the Jews were separa- 
ted ; the ceremonial law was given, every rite and 
offering of which had a reference, more or less di- 
rect, to Christ : these were the shadows, he was the 
substance. Thus expectation of his advent was 
excited and confirmed. Holy prophets were to pre- 
dict the manner of his birth, his life, and his death, 
and the glorious consequences which should follow. 
This expectation is not only confirmed, but kindles 
into desire and hope. The nations are to be over- 
turned, to prepare the way of the Lord. Then, 
and not till then, the wisdom of God determined 
that the Saviour should die ; when it would make 
the best impression on the world, produce the most 
glorious effects through time and through eternity. 

Christ having died, this fact is to be made known 
to the world — another grand object for the accom- 
plishment of which a variety of circumstances offer 
4 * 



42 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



their concurrent operation. The fulness of time, 
no doubt, had a reference to this event, which was 
to commence immediately after the death of the 
Saviour. During many preceding ages, a succes- 
sion of events had been taking place, to bring the 
world into that state most favourable to the pro- 
mulgation of the gospel. Kingdoms had risen and 
fallen in succession, like waves of the ocean, till at 
this time the Roman empire embraced in its limits 
what was then called the whole world. The Old 
Testament had long been translated into the Greek 
language ; the polite and learned language of that 
day. The Jews, carrying the Scripture with them> 
were dispersed in every province, and in almost 
every city and village of the whole empire. They 
built their synagogues, or had their appointed places 
where prayer was wont to be made. Every one 
must see what facilities this state of things fur- 
nished to the first heralds of the cross. Every- 
where they found a synagogue, or a place of prayer 
to which they resorted ; they found Jews, their own 
countrymen, to whom they made their first procla- 
mations of mercy; they found the oracles of God 
which they read and expounded, and out of which 
they reasoned, proving that Jesus was the Mes- 
siah, foretold and expected by the old prophets. 
This opened their way to the Gentiles, to whom 
they offered salvation. If any of these circumstan- 
ces had been wanting, great, if not insuperable dif- 
ficulties would have been met in preaching the gos- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



43 



pel. The wisdom, then, of this whole arrangement 
is obvious and striking, and cannot fail to impress 
all attentive observers. 

The first preachers of the gospel were to be se- 
lected and prepared for the duties of their office. 
Much more depends on the wisdom of this choice, 
than will meet the view of superficial observers. 
The office is the most important that can be filled 
by man. If ever the gospel required faithful men, 
who were able to teach others, it required them now. 
For several years after the death of Christ, during 
which the gospel was extensively made known, there 
was no written account of the life and doctrines of 
the Saviour ; no record of undoubted authority, to 
which, as to an infallible judge, doubtful cases in 
doctrine and practice could be referred for decision. 
No part of the New Testament was then written. 
The want of such a record would make a very great 
difference. If an error in doctrine is now advanced, 
we have our Bible at hand ; we can turn to the pas- 
sage which refutes that error. If any thing crimi- 
nal in practice appears, we can point out the pre- 
cept which condemns that practice. How differ- 
ent would be the case, if all such decisions depended 
on the mere opinion and authority of men ! And 
when the first narrative was written, for want of 
the art of printing, its circulation must have been 
very limited, compared with what it might have 
been by the aid of this art. The truth and genuine- 
ness of the gospel depended on the knowledge 



44 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



and fidelity of its first preachers. During these 
years the apostles and first preachers were to the 
churches and to all men, what the New Testament 
is to us — the supreme authority in doctrine and 
practice. The gospel was to make its first impres- 
sion on the world ; and it was highly important 
that this should be a just impression. This work 
required men of sound minds, of accurate and ex- 
tensive knowledge in all things relating to their 
office, and especially of deep and ardent piety. 
Such were the men selected by the wisdom of God 
for this important purpose. Of this fact, their 
preaching and their writings, which have come to 
our knowledge, furnish the most ample testimony. 
True, in the current version of the Acts, two of 
them, Peter and John, are represented as ignorant 
and unlearned men: and the opinion of some is, 
that this ignorance is similar to that, which, among 
ourselves, by its blunders and mistakes, so frequent- 
ly disgraces the church and grieves the pious and 
judicious. Such an opinion, however, is a libel on 
their character, and a shameful impeachment of the 
wisdom which selected them. The passage, in the 
original, means that they were not chosen from the 
nobility, or the high stations in life ; and that they 
had not received their education in the public semi- 
naries of polite literature. They were at first se- 
lected from the whole number of disciples, and were 
carefully instructed for several years, by one " who 
taught as never man taught." Thus qualified, they 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



45 



did not need the wisdom of this world ; nor did the 
gospel require it. The gospel is wretchedly per- 
verted when it is made the channel of communica- 
tion for the learning and the wisdom of men ; its 
glory belongs to God, and not to men. Paul was a 
chosen vessel for this important purpose. For a 
time he might run mad with the spirit of persecu- 
tion ; might breathe out slaughter and death against 
the disciples : yet from his birth, in the design of 
heaven, he was selected and separated unto the gos- 
pel. While sitting at the feet of Gamaliel, he was 
acquiring that knowledge which rendered him an 
able minister of the New Testament. The wisdom 
of God endowed them, indeed, with miraculous 
powers, to meet the exigencies of that time. But 
miracles are never introduced to accomplish those 
purposes which can be answered in the ordinary 
way. The wisdom of God is manifested in select- 
ing for the first preachers of the gospel, men of 
sound minds, capable of clear perceptions and cor- 
rect decisions ; men of accurate and extensive 
knowledge in all things pertaining to their office, 
who would not disgrace themselves and injure the 
cause they had espoused by the shameless blunders 
of ignorance ; men of deep and fervent piety, who 
would preach, and live, and suffer, and die, for the 
glory of their Divine Master. 

The death of Christ, and the preaching of the 
gospel could not be in vain. Me shall see of the 
travail of his soul ; the word of God shall not re- 



\ 

46 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

turn to him void; it shall accomplish Ids pleasure. 
Millions of immortal souls shall be washed in the 
blood of the cross ; changed and purified by that 
gospel proclaimed by the apostles and their succes- 
sors. The salvation of each individual of all these 
countless millions, was a distinct and important ob- 
ject in the eternal purpose of God. In the great 
plan for promoting the divine glory is included a 
series of means, appointed and arranged by uner- 
ring wisdom, adapted to the character and circum- 
stances of each individual. All, indeed, are saved 
by grace ; but none are saved by miracle, or with- 
out the use of means. These means were not ap- 
pointed and arranged by chance or by accident, 
neither of which, in the views and plans of God, 
have either meaning or existence : but with special 
design, to answer a particular purpose. Each series 
is a complete system in itself, embracing a number 
of parts, operating in perfect order and subordina- 
tion to each other, all promoting the great object, 
the salvation of the soul. One part of these means, 
is to operate after another has produced its effect. 
One will have no good effect, until the mind has 
been first prepared by another. As the seasons of 
spring, summer, and autumn, by their united and 
successive influence, bring to maturity the fruits of 
the earth, so the different parts in each series of 
means, operate in building up the soul in its most 
holy faith. In its great outline, each series resem- 
bles all the others : but each one, in its details, is 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 47 



diversified by more than ten thousand peculiarities. 
Here we think, is a grand display of the wisdom — 
the manifold wisdom of God, 

But lest we should be lost in so wide, though de- 
lightful a field, or wander through it with less ad- 
vantage, let us take one single individual, and fix 
our attention on his case. This man is to be a ves- 
sel of mercy, is to be prepared to show forth the 
riches of divine dory. Let his birth be where it 
may ; let his wanderings through the world be what 
they may; sooner or later, he must become ac- 
quainted with the gospel ; for he cannot be saved 
without faith in Jesus Christ. He may fly from 
the command of God, like Jonah ; but he will be 
overtaken and subdued. He may fight and perse- 
cute like Paul ; but he will bless God for redeem- 
ing grace and sovereign mercv. He may too, like 
Paul, blaspheme ; but he will embrace and cherish 
the faith which once he destroyed. He is sur- 
rounded by a series of means, arranged and set in 
operation before he was born, from which he can- 
not escape, by which, through divine agency, he is 
to become a new creature. Such is the case with 
every individual who shall, through the blood of 
the cross, reach the joys of heaven. 

One object to be accomplished, in the salvation 
of a sinner is, to make him acquainted with the 
gospel; another is, by that gospel, to change his 
heart. In order that we may perceive the wisdom 
of God in adapting the means, and rendering them 



48 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



effectual to this purpose, we must consider the char- 
acter on which the change is to be produced. The 
man who is to be the subject of this great work, is 
an intelligent creature ; capable of perception, of 
thought, of reasoning, and of judgment; of course, 
though not an independent, yet he is a free agent. 

The operations of his mind are free, and subject 
to no compulsion, except through the medium of 
perception. Perception is produced by impressions 
from external objects on the bodily senses, by state- 
ments made to the mind, and by its own exercise. 
These perceptions are the materials of thought ; 
reasoning is the comparison of these thoughts with 
each other, and with a given standard ; judgment, 
or decision, is the result of that comparison. The 
mind also possesses what are called moral powers. 
Its perceptions, thoughts, reasonings, and decisions, 
produce, in a greater or less degree, excitements 
of various kinds, or what are generally called af- 
fections or passions. These again have an impor- 
tant influence on the exercise of the intellectual 
faculties. They spread themselves, like an atmos- 
phere, before the vision of the mind. They obscure 
or warp all its perceptions ; of course affect, in a 
correspondent degree, all operations of the mind, 
depending on perception. Hence the most errone- 
ous conclusions and incorrect decisions are made. 
Yet erroneous and incorrect as they are, they will 
excite their correspondent affections. These affec- 
tions are the great motives of action ; they direct 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



49 



the conduct. The man's life is the index to his af- 
fections, as his affections are to his thoughts and 
perceptions. In order to change his life, you must 
change his heart, or his affections ; this can only 
be done by changing his thoughts and his conclu- 
sions ; this again can be effected in no other way 
than by furnishing him with new materials of 
thought, by fixing attention, which is a strong ef- 
fort of thought, on objects, in their nature calcula- 
ted to produce this change. These materials of 
thought can be introduced in no other way than 
through the medium of perception ; for that which 
does not enter the mind in this way can neither 
employ the thoughts, nor modify the affections. 

This man is also a moral agent. He is capable 
of perceiving the nature and demands of a law, in- 
tended to regulate all his conduct, all his affections, 
and all his thoughts, and therefore called a moral 
law. God, his maker, has given him such a law, 
demanding, through his whole life, perfect con- 
formity to its precepts in all his actions, affections, 
and thoughts. To such obedience the Great Law- 
giver has promised the reward of his approbation, 
and threatens every transgression with his heavy 
displeasure. The transgression of this law is sin, 
and the liability to suffer its penalty is guilt. Now 
the man before us is a sinner, and is guilty. lie, 
as all men are, is depraved. This depravity we 
will not at present attempt to define. Its nature 
and reality are illustrated and proved by numerous 
5 



50 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



and melancholy facts, which meet the observation 
of all, and can be denied by none. All men have 
sinned ; there is none righteous, no, not one. This 
man has transgressed this law ; he does transgress 
it, not occasionally, but habitually ; not accidentally, 
but designedly. The demands of this law are 
reasonable, its tendency is good ; but there is not 
this belief in him : he believes these demands to be 
unreasonable, and this tendency to be inconsistent 
with his interest. He calculates on more happiness 
from transgression than from obedience. The law 
condemns him as a sinner, and threatens him with 
its penalty ; he, therefore, hates this law with posi- 
tive hatred. The character of God, in part, is 
made known through the law ; he, therefore, hates 
that character, and the Being to whom it belongs. 
He loves sin, and neither intends nor desires to 
change his heart or his life. Hence it becomes his 
interest, as he conceives, to forget this law ; and 
God is not in all his thoughts ; he is without God 
in the world. For all his transgressions and hatred, 
there is not the shadow of excuse ; nothing which 
he can plead in mitigation of his guilt. He is, 
therefore, in a state of just and fearful condemna- 
tion. Nor is it, by any efforts of his own, possible 
for him to escape, though he may forget this con- 
demnation. The gospel offers him a way of escape, 
and invites him to accept of its provisions. But he 
rejects the offer, because he hates the provisions. 
He would accept of pardon, that is, exemption from 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



51 



punishment, if it was not connected with repent- 
ance. But this pardon is inseparably connected 
with repentance and reformation of heart and life. 
This pardon, therefore, he does not desire ; all he 
desires is, permission to sin, to follow the inclina- 
tion of his own heart with impunity. He loves 
those sins which repentance requires him to forsake ; 
he has an utter aversion to the spirit which the gos- 
pel requires him to cherish, and to those duties, in 
the discharge of which he is to spend his future 
life. His deliberate and fixed intention is never to 
forsake these sins, never to cherish this spirit, 
never to discharge these duties. He may, as 
thousands have done, and as thousands are now 
doing, deceive himself with the supposition, that he 
intends, at some future period, to repent ; but, in 
the nature of things, it is impossible. Such an in- 
tention cannot co-exist in the mind with a delibe- 
rate intention to live, at present, in sin. Light 
and darkness, Christ and Belial, might as soon 
dwell in harmony together, as two such inten- 
tions. To suppose it possible for a man to intend 
to repent in future, when at present he pursues 
and enjoys the pleasures of sin, is a dangerous de- 
lusion. 

Such is the character that is to be changed. This 
life is to be reformed ; this spirit is to be renewed ; 
' these affections are to be placed on heavenly and 
spiritual objects ; these thoughts are to flow in a 
new channel; these perceptions arc to be corrected. 



52 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



In the accomplishment of this work, God manifests 
himself mighty in strength and in wisdom. Let us 
consider the means by which it is effected, and the 
manner in which they are employed. 

The work is performed by the agency of the 
Holy Spirit ; not in a miraculous way, but by the 
use of means, and chiefly by the instrumentality of 
truth. These means are, in themselves, wisely and 
powerfully calculated to have this effect. The gos- 
pel is the power of Gcod unto salvation to every one 
who believeth, the word of Grod is quick and power- 
ful Indeed, the change is sometimes ascribed to 
the word : Of his own will begat he us with the word 
of truth ; being born again — of the word of Crod — 
the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 
Though it is effected by the use of means, it is as 
really the work of the Spirit, as if no means were 
employed. It is frequently ascribed to the Spirit 
without any reference to the means. Such is the 
ignorance of the mind, and the opposition of the 
heart, that these means would be effectually resisted, 
were they not accompanied by divine energy. 

The sinner is commanded to believe and obey the 
gospel ; but he feels an utter aversion to it, and 
disobeys the command. The Spirit does not, by 
compulsion, bring the mind instantly to submission ; 
but in a way perfectly consistent with its free 
agency, brings it, step after step, to choose and de- 
light in this submission. He will never change his 
life till his affections are changed. For it is not to 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



53 



be expected that he will voluntarily forsake those 
practices which all his affections prompt him to pur- 
sue. This would be inconsistent with the free 
agency of an intelligent mind. These affections 
are generated by his conclusions and his thoughts, 
and cannot be changed without first changing his 
thoughts ; for in vain do you expect a change in 
the effect, while the cause of that effect is left, 
with undiminished vigour, in full operation. There 
is but one way, consistently with free agency, to 
change the thoughts ; that is, by furnishing- the 
mind with new materials of thought ; with objects 
for their employment of the same nature with the 
affections which are to be excited. Control the 
thoughts, and you control the affections ; control 
the affections, and you regulate the life. Suppose 
this order to be reversed, and if the same effect is 
produced, it must be by mere compulsion, by violat- 
ing- the free a^encv of man. But God, who has en- 
dowed him with this agency, will not destroy his own 
gift. This is the order which the wisdom of the 
Spirit observes in reforming the man: and there is 
an admirable adaptation to this order in the means 
by which the work is accomplished. This shows 
the great importance and necessity of truth, which, 
introduced into the mind, furnishes materials for the 
employment of its thoughts. The Spirit commences 
the work by fixing the attention on some truth re- 
lating to the nature of sin. This thoughtfulness is 
like leaven ; its effects are immediately felt ; it ex- 
5 * 



54 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



cites a correspondent degree of fear ; this fear is 
the antagonist of the love of sin, and weakens the 
power of that love, and thus clears a little the vision 
of the mind, and opens the way for the entrance of 
other truths relating to the same subject. By the 
additional light of these truths, the thoughts are 
still more engaged, and the mind has clearer per- 
ceptions of the guilt and danger of sin ; a greater 
degree of fear is excited ; and, in the same propor- 
tion, the love of sin loses its power. One truth 
opens the way for another ; and the more intensely 
the attention dwells on the subject, the more deeply 
interesting does it become. The sinner is now per- 
plexed and alarmed with the view of his guilt and 
danger. This prompts to further inquiries, and the 
result of these inquiries increases his alarm. His 
views and feelings with regard to sin are changed. 
Instead of the fond, though delusive dreams and 
hopes of impunity, the danger of sin now fills his 
mind and occupies his thoughts ; instead of the love, 
the fear of sin and its consequences now prevail ; 
instead of a desire for the pleasure of sin, he now 
feels anxious and distressed on account of it. He 
is not, in the scriptural sense, a new man, yet he is 
another from what he formerly was. This is convic- 
tion for sin ; that is, the perception and belief of 
the truth respecting it. 

Universal experience, if we are not mistaken, will 
testify that this is the way in which the work of 
grace commences : with serious thoughtfulncss. It 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



55 



is a fact too, that the more we attend to any subject 
the better we understand it. The truth which en- 
gaged the first thought, may have been presented 
to the mind before, but did not, in the same degree, 
arrest the attention : this, then, is the work of the 
Spirit, whose design it was, in this way, to produce 
that deep thoughtfulness, and that sense of danger, 
which we now perceive. When the man bestowed 
the first thought on the subject, he had no intention 
or desire of proceeding so far : this, however, was 
the intention of the Spirit. Had he been com- 
manded, before the seriousness commenced, to give 
up the world and cease thinking about it, he would 
have disobeyed ; but now the world has slipped out of 
his mind and is forgotten, in proportion as his 
thoughts are otherwise employed. In vain would 
the command have been given, in his former days — 
think of the Saviour; inquire after the plan of 
salvation; seek a remedy for sin: but now the in- 
quiry is naturally and earnestly made, What must I 
do to be saved? Having clearer discoveries of the 
deceitfulness and wickedness of his own heart ; 
thoroughly convinced that he deserves condemna- 
tion, that he is utterly unable to deliver himself ; he 
believes and feels that if he is saved, it must be by 
the exercise of mercy; mercy too, which he does 
not deserve, and which he cannot demand ; for God 
is not bound to save him. No man can be recon- 
ciled to the everlasting displeasure of God, who has 
any correct ideas of that displeasure. He now sees, 



56 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



however, that he cannot escape, except it is by an 
act of sovereign grace. He is now completely sub- 
dued. His thoughts are turned to this mercy, which 
promises the only safety ; for this mercy, w T ith hum- 
ble, submissive earnestness he prays. The Holy 
Spirit, who directs this progress, fixes his attention 
on the promises and invitations of the gospel, which 
are now most deeply interesting to him, and through 
which the Saviour and the mercy of God are offered. 
He is now willing to be saved in any way which 
God is pleased to appoint. While meditating on 
these subjects, he is enabled to have a spiritual dis- 
cernment of the promises and invitations of the 
gospel; he sees the suitableness of Jesus Christ as 
a Saviour, to his sinful and helpless condition ; he 
feels a movement of his whole soul towards this Sa- 
viour ; clearer views of the plan of salvation in- 
crease this movement; he believes, he adores, he 
loves, he hopes, he rejoices, he weeps, he gives him- 
self up without reserve to God and to his Redeemer. 
He is now, in the scriptural sense, a new man. His 
thoughts have been employed about the truth of 
the Bible ; his affections are changed with his 
thoughts ; and his life will change with his affec- 
tions. The purity of God and of his law, to which 
he felt such a deep-rooted enmity, is now most love- 
ly in his view ; the service of God, to which he felt 
so much aversion, is now his delight. The Saviour, 
of whom he thought so seldom before, and whom he 
so lightly esteemed, now fills his mind, and is precious 



THE INFLUENCE OE THE BIBLE. 



57 



to his heart ; the Bible, formerly, in his estimation 
without interest and much neglected, or at best no- 
thing more than a dead letter, is now life, and spirit, 
and power, and employs his meditations day and 
night ; the world, formerly so enchanting in his eye, 
which he loved so dearly and pursued so eagerly, is 
now stripped of its delusive charms, sinks to its pro- 
per place in his regard, and commands him no more. 
In heaven he lays up his treasure, and views it as 
the blessed and glorious state where he will spend 
his eternal existence. 

Behold the wisdom manifested in this change ! It 
displays design, as clearly as design can be dis- 
played ; not of the man, but of the Spirit who com- 
menced and accomplished the work ; a design which 
unfolds itself, more and more completely, at each 
progressive stage of the process. There is a deci- 
sive control exercised over his thoughts and affec- 
tions, and yet he is conscious of no control. Every 
step is voluntarily taken, with as much freedom as 
it could have been, if no such control had been em- 
ployed. To the first truth which occupied his 
thoughts, he felt no very decided opposition ; be- 
cause he was not aware of the consequence, did not 
perceive nor suspect its connection with the result. 
Had he been assured that this truth was connected 
with another, and this again with another, forming 
a complete system of means intended to bring 
him to believe and obey the gospel, his opposi- 
tion would have been roused, and would have 



58 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



resisted the entrance of that truth into his mind. 
The first truth was, however, admitted, without 
awakening any hostile suspicion, to employ his 
thoughts ; this opened the way for the second, 
with which it was connected ; this, for the third ; 
and this, for the fourth, and so on ; until he 
dwells with inquisitive earnestness and delight 
on the promises which encourage the guilty and 
helpless sinner to hope for pardon. One part of 
the means is to operate on the mind in that state 
in which another leaves it ; and this again leaves 
it in a state of preparation for another. There is 
a connection, an order and subserviency in the 
means, admirably adapted to the manner in which 
the mind is to be influenced and changed. Truth 
flows into his mind in answer to his own desires 
and inquiries ; and by this truth the Spirit unfolds 
his designs, and carries on his work. The man 
now, from choice, hates and forsakes the very sins 
which he once loved and pursued ; now delights in 
those devotional exercises of the heart, and in those 
religious duties which he formerly hated and ne- 
glected. In the day of divine power, he is a will- 
ing subject of grace. All this is true of every 
Christian : for each one of them there is a system 
of means, thus wisely arranged, and thus effectually 
applied. 

Now, if it be a fact, that exhibitions of wisdom 
do improve the understanding which contemplates 
and labours to comprehend them, then every Chris- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 59 



tian has such an opportunity of improving in con- 
sidering the means by which his own heart was 
changed, and the manner in which that chancre was 
effected. The work may not. in every one, have 
progressed with a regularity which, in all its stages, 
and all its minute details, will accord with the above 
statement ; but will, we conceive, be substantially 
the same. Nor is it a subject on which he can ever 
feel indifferent : it will always be interesting to him. 
Often will he review the whole process, from the 
commencement to the present hour, for it is a work 
which will continue through life. He ban dwell 
with thoughtful inspection on each step separately, 
and in connection with every other. His mind may 
not be enlightened by science, but he will have, in 
his own heart, the means of improving his under- 
standing, by attentively and frequently beholding 
a display of divine wisdom which the material uni- 
verse cannot surpass. 



60 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



SECTION III. 

Exhibitions of Greatness improve the Understanding. 

Experience teaches us that the contemplation 
of greatness strengthens and improves the under- 
standing. The mind is conscious of an effort to 
grasp the magnitude, the vastness of the object, or 
the scene which it views. A pleasing expansion is 
the consequence of these efforts. This is the true 
feeling of the sublime. The mind seems to be en- 
dowed with some degree of that greatness which it 
beholds. Now, in this respect the Christian sys- 
tem has very far the advantage over the whole uni- 
verse of matter. In considering the material crea- 
tion, there is a limit beyond which the mind cannot, 
with any profit, carry its investigations ; such ef- 
forts are repaid with neither pleasure nor improve- 
ment to the mind that makes them. There is no 
more known, at this day, respecting the principle 
of attraction, than was known at the end of New- 
ton's life. The distance, the diameter, and the dif- 
ferent periods of the planets, are already ascer- 
tained : inquiry, therefore, on these subjects has 
ceased. And subjects on which nothing more can 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



Gl 



be known, yield little or no improvement. For it 
is not so much the possession, as the acquisition of 
ideas that improves the mind. Memory alone is 
exercised in retaining our ideas ; but the under- 
standing is exercised, and of course improved in 
their acquisition. Besides, the grandest scenes of 
nature cease to be interesting, as soon as they be- 
come familiar to the mind. Those who live on the 
summit of a mountain, derive not one pleasing 
emotion from beholding that prospect which fills 
the mind of a stranger with inexpressible delight, 
and gives it a conscious elevation. Those who 
view the restless ocean every day, cease to admire 
its boundless extent ; but on the man wdio views it 
for the first time, it has a very different effect. 
From our infancy we are accustomed to see the 
sun, shining in all his majesty, rising and setting 
regularly every day ; we see the moon and stars 
pursuing their nightly procession ; but there is no 
novelty in the scene : their appearance one day and 
one night is so nearly the same with every other 
day and night, that no attention is excited. Could 
we rise, with our present faculties of mind and 
body, from the centre of the earth, language could 
not express the sublime feelings which the first 
view of the lofty concave, either by night or by 
day, would not fail to produce. The case is widely 
different with moral greatness : here, there is no 
limit to check further inquiries and further pro- 
gress. Nor is it possible to exhaust subjects of this 




62 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



nature so completely, that nothing new will remain 
to invite and repay progressive investigation. The 
discoveries in natural science may be communicated 
to others, who know neither the toil nor the pleasure 
of that inquiry which led to them ; but our pro- 
gress in the knowledge of God, through the cross, 
must be the result of our own efforts, and our own 
experience. One may assist in directing the in- 
quiries of another, but cannot relieve him from the 
necessity of making these inquiries ; they must be 
made by each individual for himself. Language 
cannot impart to another the views and feelings 
which reward the diligent student of moral great- 
ness. One cannot commence his progress where 
that of another has ended ; each one commences 
from the same point. 

The Apostle Paul prays that the Ephesians might 
know the love of Christ; and yet, in the very next 
words declares that this love passeth knowledge. 
Here is neither paradox nor inconsistency. This 
love is infinite ; and therefore, never can be per- 
fectly known by any creature. Its height, no lim- 
ited mind can reach ; its depth, none can fathom ; 
its length and its breadth, none can comprehend. 
Yet the Christian who devoutly meditates on this 
subject will be rewarded, everyday and every year, 
with such proficiency as will increase his strength, 
and his desire, to persevere the next day, and the 
next year, in the contemplation of redeeming love. 
Not an effort is made, not a day is spent, in vain. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



63 



The progress he makes does not damp his ardour, 
and diminish his joy, by the conviction that the less 
remains to be done. The further he advances, the 
Wider does the range of future progress expand on 
his view. The higher he rises, the more sublime 
does the height appear which he has yet to reach. 
Nor is it possible for any length of time to render 
the subject so familiar to his mind, that it will 
cease to arrest his attention, and invite him to fur- 
ther pursuit. Every step he advances, every de- 
gree he rises, presents him with increasing wonders 
more inviting and more delightful, than all he has 
yet known. All behind him, and all below him is 
forgotten, in view of what is still before him and 
above him. No attainment, no progress satisfies 
him, w^hile so much remains unattained. The 
brightest visions of faith and hope can present to 
his mind nothing more enrapturing, than to spend 
his eternal existence in knowing more and more of 
the love of Christ. 

There is a greatness in the mercy of God, which 
no finite understanding can ever comprehend ; 
which yet rewards the mind engaged in the con- 
templation of it, with the purest delight and the 
most encouraging success. For as the heaven is 
high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward 
them tliatfear them. Let us, for a moment, attend 
to this comparison. Nothing in the material uni- 
verse conveys more forcibly to the mind the idea 
and the impression of greatness, than the heaven. 



64 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



Its lofty height, its vast extent, are calculated 
to produce impressions truly sublime. A single 
glance will produce the conviction that no human 
effort can ever reach it. With all the aid which art 
can afford, the greatest elevation to which man can 
ascend from this earth, does not appear to diminish, 
in the smallest degree, the height of heaven. Al- 
though we cannot say, with strict propriety, that 
its height appears to be infinite ; yet, certainly, it 
is very great. This height, then, above the earth, 
is the scale by which we should measure the great- 
ness of redeeming mercy. 

In language by no means of dubious import, we 
sometimes hear threatening hints, that the progress 
of modern science will, one day, shake the founda- 
tion and overthrow the whole system of Christianity ; 
that man will become too wise to believe that there 
is any such thing as sin, in this poor miserable 
world; of course, that there is no need of the 
mercy of God, or of a Saviour. We rejoice, most 
cordially, in the progress of science : and cannot, 
for a moment, be made to fear such effects from 
that progress. The Bible was not intended to 
teach us the science of nature ; its object is infi- 
nitely more important. We cannot believe, how- 
ever, that the greatest proficient in this science will 
find a single fact, or make a single discovery at va- 
riance with the truth of this Holy Book. If Chris- 
tianity needed such aid, the light of true philosophy 
would furnish it, in abundance. Such> at least, is 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



65 



the fact respecting the passage now under consid- 
eration. Modern astronomers assure us that the 
canopy over our heads is not real substance-, colour- 
ed with soft and cheerful blue, along the surface of 
which, the sun, the moon and the stars, pursue their 
daily and nightly courses ; that if we should take 
our flight to the remotest star which our eye can 
perceive, and pursue our flight in the same direc- 
tion as far beyond that star as it is from the earth ; 
and repeat this flight ten thousand times, till the 
whole system to which we belong should vanish out 
of sight, still numerous other systems, like our own, 
should alternately swell on our view, and then dis- 
appear ; the same appearance of the sky would ac- 
company us as we advanced, and surround us when 
we stopped ; that no real substance would ever 
check our flight ; that the impression made on our 
senses is produced by infinite space. This, then, is 
the measure of divine mercy ; it is not only very 
great ; it is literally boundless, it is infinite mercy. 

The greatness of this adorable perfection may 
be perceived by considering the amount of guilt 
which it washes away, the multitude of sins which 
it covers. This is a subject too, which very often 
and very deeply engages the attention of every 
Christian. He must be often employed in medita- 
ting on the number of his transgressions, and on 
the circumstances which aggravate his guilt ; these 
he confesses before God ; on account of these he is 
humbled ; for these he repents, and implores for- 
6 * 



66 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



giveness. Let him be ignorant of what else he 
may, if a Christian, he cannot be ignorant of his 
own sinfulness. Nor can he cherish the hope of 
pardon without perceiving the greatness of that 
mercy on which his hopes are founded. Take one 
day in the life of a man unrenewed by divine 
grace ; calculate, if possible, the number of thoughts, 
desires, and intentions, the words and actions of this 
one day ; all of which are sinful ; each one of 
which deserves the displeasure of God ; and under 
what a load of guilt will he not repose himself at 
night ? And yet he wakes, and pursues the same 
course for another day. Multiply this number by 
three hundred and sixty-five, and it will give you 
the number of sins, and the amount of guilt for 
one year. What a treasure is this, which he has 
laid up, not of silver and gold, but of wrath ! And 
yet he commences another year with the same in- 
tention. This guilt is not to be ascertained, how- 
ever, by the mere simple ratio of multiplication ; 
but by a compound ratio of increase. Every day 
is more guilty than the one which precedes it. 
Every day the calls to repentance are louder and 
louder ; every day his danger is more and more 
alarming. He cannot, therefore, persevere in these 
circumstances without a degree of guilt, increasing 
as the motives to repentance become more impres- 
sive and urgent. Besides, his thirst for sin is in- 
creased with the indulgence of every day ; so is the 
rapidity with which he is carried along the broad 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



67 



road to ruin. Like a body falling to the earth, the 
nearer he approaches the pit of perdition, he is 
drawn towards it with an increasing velocity. Such 
is one day ; and such is one year ! Suppose he re- 
mains in this state for twenty years, every day, and 
hour, and moment of which is spent in sin. Then 
multiply the product of one year by twenty, and it 
will give (what our minds cannot possibly compre- 
hend) the number of sins with all their aggrava- 
tions, which are freely pardoned through the mercy 
of God, when he is united to Christ and adopted 
into the family of heaven. Every sinner who lays 
hold of this hope, is convinced that if God was not 
rich in mercy, his sins could not be forgiven. Nor 
can he ever become indifferent to the greatness of 
this mercy. Every thought which he casts back 
on his past sinfulness, every pulse of spiritual life 
which beats in his heart, every ray of hope which 
cheers and rejoices his soul, forcibly remind him of 
it. There is, in this greatness, an interesting and 
infinite loveliness, which invites and engages his 
attention, and fills him with a pure and peaceful 
joy. His earnest prayer is, that, w T ith a tongue 
faltering in death, he may recommend this ground 
of hope to those he leaves behind ; that wdien at 
the call of his Saviour, he is removed from this 
earth, his thoughts and his hopes may be firmly 
fixed on the greatness of divine mercy. 

It may be thought unnecessary and useless to 
search for additional evidence of the greatness of 



68 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



sovereign mercy, when that already presented, in 
the salvation of one sinner, places the subject so far 
above our comprehension. 

The Christian, however, cannot be wearied with 
the subject; he loves to meditate on it; to view it 
in all the grandeur and sublimity of its exhibitions ; 
to feel overwhelmed with its incomprehensibilities ; 
because he is the more deeply convinced that it is 
calculated to afford him an eternal fulness of joy. 
This Christian is not the only vessel of mercy, the 
only monument of its greatness. Countless mil- 
lions will be redeemed through this mercy; each 
one of whom will display the riches of its glory. 
If the utmost power of numbers could answer the 
purpose, and if our minds could perform the opera- 
tion of multiplying all these millions by the great- 
ness of mercy displayed in the salvation of one 
sinner, the result would not exceed the truth, how- 
ever it might exceed our comprehension. But 
numbers have no relation to this subject ; our minds 
cannot perform the operation. It is a subject, 
known and comprehended by Him alone, to whose 
character this perfection belongs. The Christian 
can feel no regret that the foundation of his hope 
is so deep and firm that he cannot comprehend it ; 
that the source of his joy is as inexhaustible as the 
infinite mind in which it exists. It would grieve 
him to believe that there was a period, however re- 
mote, in his future existence, when the last myste- 
ries of this greatness would be completely developed 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



69 



to his view ; when nothing remained to invite fur- 
ther inquiries, and promise new discoveries ; when 
the whole subject would become familiar to his mind. 
With painful anticipations he would look forward 
to such a period, as the termination of at least a 
part of his joy. It will expand and elevate the 
mind of the highest archangel to behold the great 
multitude redeemed out of every tongue and kin- 
dred under heaven ; a multitude, requiring of this 
angel, perhaps the flight of an age, to take a sur- 
vey of all their crowded millions, presenting to his 
consideration the same general features • of char- 
acter, connected, however, with infinite varieties 
and shades of difference. This exhibition of divine 
mercy may fix him more firmly in his allegiance to 
the great Jehovah. Thus the thrones, and domin- 
ions, and principalities and powers of heaven will 
be reconciled to God, through the cross of Christ. 
Deriving more exalted conceptions of the divine 
character from these exhibitions, their love will glow 
with more intense ardour, their adoration will be 
more profound, their songs of praise will be louder 
and sweeter. While the universe is filled with the 
splendours of mercy, reflected from the saints of 
the Most High, the divine Saviour will rejoice over 
them as the purchase of his blood, as the fruit of 
his agonies on the cross. With ineffable compla- 
cency, God himself will view them as the most pre- 
cious jewels in his crown of glory. 

There is a greatness in the forbearance of God, 



70 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



which, however it may pass unnoticed by a thought- 
less world, cannot fail to employ the meditations of 
the Christian. Through this forbearance he escapes, 
from day to day, the punishment his crimes deserve. 
There is this peculiarity in the long-suffering of 
God ; it is exercised towards every human being. 
If there be a truth, supported by the testimony of 
Scripture and of fact, it is this ; that man, from his 
very birth, is in a state of guilt. In many places 
the Bible, in plain and positive language, declares 
this truth. We feel in ourselves, and we witness in 
others, nameless sufferings, for which no satisfactory 
account can be given, but that w T e are guilty ; and 
that these sufferings are the consequence of this 
guilt. It is evident, at the same time, that these 
sufferings are not proportioned to our guilt ; of 
course, that they are intended to operate as means 
of reformation. Every sin deserves a far greater 
punishment than is ever inflicted in this life. Every 
moment, therefore, that we are permitted to remain 
in a state of rebellion, on this earth, displays the 
greatness of the divine forbearance. This will be, 
to the Christian, a cause of grateful adoration 
through his eternal existence ; and the sinner who 
perishes in final impenitence, sinking and suffering 
in the bottomless pit, will remember, with anguish, 
that once the long-suffering of God waited with 
him. 

Although God is the self-existent, eternal Jehovah, 
and we are creatures of yesterday, sinful worms of 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



71 



the earth, yet he permits us to aid our conceptions 
of his greatness by comparison. Let us then sup- 
pose an earthly sovereign, distinguished for the 
mildness and equity of his laws, and for the wis- 
dom and benevolence with which he labours to guard 
and promote the happiness of his subjects : and that 
a part of these subjects rebel against him, traduce 
his character, disobey his laws, and endeavour, by 
their example and their advice, to lead others into 
the same rebellion, destroy the government, and fill 
the whole province with discord, anarchy, and ruin. 
He has it completely in his power to crush them, at 
any moment ; and is well acquainted with their de- 
signs and their efforts. From pure benevolence, he 
labours to soften and subdue them by kindness ; and, 
therefore, offers them pardon, invites them to return 
to the protection of his government, and to the enjoy- 
ment of his approbation — the rich reward of all 
faithful subjects. Messenger after messenger is 
sent to offer this pardon, to urge them with earnest 
entreaties to accept of it, and warn them of their 
danger. But they reject the offer, make light of 
the warning, and grow bolder in rebellion. Again, 
perhaps at the peril of their lives, the messengers 
return to them, with more earnest entreaties, and 
more solemn and affectionate warnings. But the 
tenderness and urgency with which the offers are 
made and the warnings are given, increase their dis- 
like into hatred of his character, his government, 
and his offers. Again they are visited: and their 



72 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



hatred is matured into deep-rooted enmity, and de- 
fiance begins to print itself on their brow. How 
long would this sovereign bear with such treatment 
from such rebels ? How soon would his patience 
be exhausted, his clemency turned into just indigna- 
tion, and his power be exerted in their destruction ? 
How striking, then, how glorious is the patience of 
God, who bears with the rebellion, the wickedness, 
the enmity, the insulting blasphemy of man, from 
day to day, from year to year, and from age to age ! 
When the deadly, the infernal malignity of sin ; 
when the infinite mercy and majesty of God, against 
whom it was committed, are seen in the light of 
eternity, the greatness of the divine forbearance 
will touch the heart of men and angels w T ith sen- 
timents of the most profound and joyful adora- 
tion. 

Now, it is impossible for any one to be a Chris- 
tian without being sensible of the exceeding great- 
ness of the divine patience towards him. Nothing 
can efface from his mind the remembrance of his 
former sinfulness and his guilt. The vileness and 
malignity of his sins he will often confess and la- 
ment before God ; and the divine forbearance which 
waited with him, is so necessarily connected with 
sin, that the remembrance and impression of the 
one will introduce the other. To remember his 
sins, and forget the long-suffering of God, will be 
impossible ; the greatness of which will be graduated, 
in his view, by the amount of his guilt. With the 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



73 



most intense thoughtfulness he will often review his 
past offences, the dangers to which he was exposed, 
the perilous escapes he has made, till he finds him- 
self instinctively, though imperceptibly shrinking, 
as if he was at the moment exposed to the same 
danger. He will be filled with wonder and amaze- 
ment that he was not stricken dead in the midst of 
his sins ; that the patience of God could bear with 
such a provoking and daring offender. These emo- 
tions are the necessary consequence of his utter in- 
ability, after all his efforts, to comprehend the great- 
ness of his forbearance. The vileness of sin, and 
the amount of his guilt, will increase, in his view, with 
every advance he makes in the divine life, with 
every degree by which he draws nearer to God ; 
and in the same proportion will this- greatness rise 
and expand above and beyond his comprehension. 

There is, indeed, a greatness, an infinite great- 
ness belonging to all the perfections of Deity ; to 
his power, his knowledge, his justice, &c, as well 
as to his wisdom, his mercy, and his forbearance. 
On this greatness, the Christian will often medi- 
tate with deep interest and delight. His thoughts, 
his admiration, his love, his adoration of the great- 
ness of these perfections, displayed in the works of 
creation, of providence, and redemption, will con- 
stitute the high and holy intercourse which he is 
permitted to hold, here on earth, with God his Ma- 
ker ; and in this way he will see and enjoy Go<l, as 
his portion, when finally released from the darkness 
7 



74 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



and imperfections of the present state, and raised 
to the clearer light and vision of eternity. 

Let us now briefly review the subject. The pro- 
position, for the illustration of which these remarks 
are offered, is : That the Bible has a direct and 
powerful tendency to improve the understanding of 
those who study its historical narratives, its doc- 
trines and its precepts ; but more especially, that it 
will invigorate with increasing strength the under- 
standing of the true Christian, who is deeply in- 
terested in securing the salvation of his soul ; with 
whom religion is not a mere name, an empty pro- 
fession ; not a mere collection of ideas, or a system 
of external ceremonies, neither of which have any 
practical effect on his heart or his life ; but an im- 
portant reality, such a knowledge and belief of the 
truth as calls into vigorous exertion all the powers 
of the understanding and the heart. If the pro- 
position and the remarks with which it is accom- 
panied are true, the inference will be that the mind 
of the Christian is more improved than the mind of 
any other man. We do not shrink from this in- 
ference, but admit it, as fair and necessary, which the 
preceding observations are intended to support. 
These observations derive their pertinency and their 
force from this principle : that whatever calls into 
vigorous exercise the intellectual faculties, will im- 
prove these faculties ; and that the improvement 
will be in proportion to the variety, the complex 
nature, and the magnitude of the objects about 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



7-5 



which the mind is employed. This, it is universally 
admitted, is the effect resulting from literary pur- 
suits. Take two youths, of equal capacity and 
strength of mind; let one of them spend eight or 
ten years, while his mind is unfolding and his in- 
tellectual character is forming, in the study of lan- 
guages and science ; let the other spend the same 
time engaged in some of the ordinary occupations 
of life ; at the end of this period, which of them 
would be best qualified for investigation, for cor- 
rect discrimination and decision? Which of them 
would make the greatest proficiency in the study of 
law, of medicine, or theology ? The student un- 
doubtedly would have the advantage over the other : 
not so much on account of the ideas with which his 
mind is stored : but chiefly on account of the dis- 
cipline through which his mind has passed, and the 
habits of investigating, of reasoning, and of judging 
which he has acquired. The conclusion, therefore, 
is just and unavoidable, that on the same principle, 
according to the preceding remarks, the religion of 
the Bible will improve the mind which cordially em- 
braces it. 

Nor do we fear the result of a comparison be- 
tween the Christian and any other man, provided 
the comparison be a fair one. Let both, in all 
other respects, be equal ; let the only difference be, 
that one is a man of scriptural piety, of experi- 
mental religion, and the other is not, and we hesi- 
tate not to afErru that the comparison will result in 



76 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



favour of the Christian, and in support of our con- 
clusion. We know, indeed, that comparisons may- 
be made which would furnish a very different result. 
With a Christian of moderate talents, doomed to 
labour from day to day, to gain a scanty subsist- 
ence, who knows but little more than his Bible and 
his God — you may compare a man of the world, or 
even a professed infidel, possessing a native vigour 
of mind, cultivated by study, embellished with 
science ; and suppose that the result of this com- 
parison will overthrow our conclusion. While you 
make this comparison, however, candour will com- 
pel you to acknowledge that it is not a fair one. Let 
the Christian possess the same native vigour of mind, 
enjoy the same literary advantages, with the man of 
the world ; or let the irreligious man possess the same 
moderate talents, be engaged in the same daily 
toils, be denied, in the same degree, all opportuni- 
ties of mental improvement, with the Christian ; 
then the result will triumphantly support our con- 
clusion. In the former case the result is derived 
from other circumstances, in which the man of the 
world has greatly the advantage ; in the latter, in 
all respects except religion, they are equal ; and 
the result is derived solely from the difference made 
by the influence of the spirit and the truth of God. 
With sorrow it must be admitted, too, that thou- 
sands who profess the religion of Jesus Christ are 
nothing but mere pretenders, uninfluenced by its 
renovating spirit and its power. Such are not, and 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 77 



cannot be, examples of the various and happy ef- 
fects produced by the influence of the Bible. No 
cause will produce its effects where it does" not ex- 
ist, and where it does not operate. The zealous 
advocate for literary studies would complain, and 
justly too, if the tendency of these studies was 
tried by the example of those, who, though they 
had spent the usual time in academies and colleges, 
were known to be nothing but mere pretenders to 
literary acquisitions. He would point you to the 
man who loved the pursuits in which he was en- 
gaged, whose mind was closely and habitually ap- 
plied to these studies, as the example w T hich w r ould 
illustrate and support his proposition. Go thou and 
do likewise, with the principles of the Bible ; look 
for their effects, where they are in actual and vigo- 
rous operation. 

It is readily admitted that among the Greeks 
and Romans, who were ignorant of divine revela- 
tion, there w T ere many whose minds were improved 
with the knowledge of arts and sciences, in a de- 
gree far above thousands of Christians. This 
admission, however, does not in the least affect 
our conclusion. No man will affirm that their 
minds could not have been improved in a greater 
degree than they were, by the application of 
means calculated to produce this effect. We con- 
tend that the Bible furnishes these very means ; 
that the knowledge and belief of its truth would 
have improved their minds in a still greater degree, 
7 * 



78 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



and have rendered them still more illustrious than 
they are. If Archimedes had been a sincere, an 
humble, and devout Christian, he might have been 
the Newton of the world* If Socrates, Plato, 
Aristotle, and Seneca had felt the transforming 
light and power of the Book of God, they might 
have filled the place now occupied by Locke, and 
Reid, and B.eattie, and Paley. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



79 



PART II. 



SECTION I. 

Economy and Industry, taught in the Bible — promote human 
Happiness. 

According to the design with which these remarks 
were commenced, it remains to point out the power- 
ful and happy tendency of the Bible in reforming 
the moral character of man, — and thus to save him, 
in a great degree, from the miseries of this life ; 
and to furnish him the best consolation and support 
under those from which he cannot escape. To im- 
prove the heart, indeed, is the purpose for which 
the Bible is professedly given : its fitness to an- 
swer this purpose declares the wisdom and good- 
ness of its divine Author. Many of the afflictions 
which man is doomed to suffer in this life, are the 
necessary and immediate result of his own folly, 
imprudence, and wickedness; of his wilful neglect 
of the lessons taught him in the Bible, and his per- 
severing disobedience to its precepts. From all these 
miseries, those who understand, believe, and obey 
this holy book, will be preserved. 



80 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



It is obvious that man requires a daily sustenance^ 
adapted to his animal nature, and that this suste- 
nance is to be provided by his own labour. Econo- 
my, in the management and use of the fruit of this 
labour, is therefore a duty which we owe to our- 
selves, to each other, and to God. We have no rules 
laid down in systematic order on this subject : yet 
w T e have the words of our Saviour, which, taken in 
connection with the occasion on which they were 
spoken, will furnish a complete, though compendi- 
ous system of economy — Gather up the fragments 
that remain, that nothing be lost. Here was no im- 
mediate want, for all were satisfied ; yet this is no 
excuse for criminal waste. The disciples might have 
supposed, after witnessing this astonishing miracle, 
that the broken pieces which were left were not 
worthy of any care. He teaches them, however, a 
different lesson ; these fragments are to be care- 
fully preserved for future occasions. Was the spirit 
of this example and this precept in full operation, 
it would prevent a very great amount of perplexity 
and suffering. There are thousands who, with 
economy, might enjoy all the real comforts of life, 
and fill a respectable station in society ; and yet 
by wastefulness and inattention to small matters, 
soon find their resources insufficient for their wants. 
A debt is contracted to supply the present deficiency. 
The same want of economy prevails, and prevents 
the acquisition of means to discharge, at the proper 
time, this debt. Another debt, however, is contracted 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



81 



to discharge the first, and to supply another defi- 
ciency, arising out of the same wasteful habit. 
Though without economy, they are not yet, perhaps 
without credit ; another debt of still larger amount 
is contracted. Credit at length begins to fail ; and 
payment is more and more urgently solicited, but 
cannot be conveniently made. Perplexities begin- 
ning to thicken around them, some other expedient 
must be tried ; but not the expedient of economy 
and self-denial. There is a prospect of speculation, 
which may have a fortunate issue ; prizes of large 
amount are floating in the lottery wheel ; a ticket 
will not cost much, and it may draw a prize. The 
speculation however fails ; the ticket comes out a 
blank. The amount of debt is increased by the 
means intended to discharge it. Creditors become 
more urgent ; the civil officer is employed ; pro- 
perty is sold, and the debts are not paid. Perplex- 
ity ripens into trouble ; the terrible oath of insol- 
vency is taken. Ways and means are suggested, 
and too often pursued, not consistent with strict 
honesty, but which, it is thought, necessity demands, 
and will, perhaps, justify. Their independence, 
their standing in society, and in some degree their 
regard to character, are lost ; strong inducements 
to correct deportment are withdrawn ; the door to 
injustice, fraud, and vice is opened, and too often 
entered ; and trouble matures into actual misery. 
We would not affirm that in every case, all this is 
the consequence of wastefulness alone ; other causes, 



82 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



as will presently appear, may co-operate in commenc- 
ing and hastening this progress to ruin and distress. 
Observation, however, will justify the conclusion, 
that much of it might be prevented by habits of 
economy, by gathering up the fragments, and tak- 
ing care that nothing be lost. 

Small matters are neglected and suffered to waste, 
merely because they are small. Separately con- 
sidered, their value may be but little ; yet col- 
lectively, they will amount to something of con- 
sequence. The fragments which our Saviour di- 
rected to be gathered up, were small broken pieces, 
separately of little value ; but when collected, they 
filled twelve baskets — a very important provision for 
future want. If our resources be scanty, economy 
will enable us to derive from them the greatest de- 
gree of comfort which they can yield ; if they be 
ample, by gathering up the fragments, we will be 
enabled to do so much the more good, and to taste 
so much the more of that blessedness which arises 
from giving, from preventing, or relieving the suf- 
ferings of others. The man, whose moderate in- 
come is no more than sufficient for his own support, 
by economy, will derive more real enjoyment from 
that income, and will maintain his independence, so 
dear to every human heart ; and this noble inde- 
pendence will increase his influence, his respecta- 
bility and usefulness in society. The man of more 
affluent circumstances, by exercising economy in 
the provisions of his table, in the expense of his 



TTTE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



83 



furniture and his dress, without diminishing his ra- 
tional comfort in the least, might increase the means 
of doing good, and elevate himself in the estimation 
of others. That man is mistaken who expects his re- 
spectability and influence to be in proportion to the 
sumptuous provisions of his table, and the expensive- 
ness of his dress and his furniture. The epicure will 
admire his table, to which he will be drawn by all the 
power of appetite, and thousands will admire the 
elegance of his dress and his equipage. But w T hat 
kind of feeling is this, and of what real value is it 
in the view of well-improved minds ? That of the 
epicure is merely an animal feeling, and has no re- 
gard to either intellectual or moral excellence as its 
object ; that of others is evanescent, and if it has 
any object among human beings, it is not the pro- 
prietor, but the artist by whom the articles which 
excite these feelings were made. 

Moral excellence is the object of the most valua- 
able and the most desirable feelings of the human 
heart: this alone renders a man truly respectable 
and beloved by others. Active and persevering 
beneficence gives rise to that influence, and calls 
forth those affections most desirable to a good and a 
w T ise man. To such a man the blessing of those who 
were ready to perish is a thousand times more grate- 
ful than all the admiration wealth ever produced. 
Look at the man whose influence depends on his 
wealth ; you will see him surrounded with multi- 
tudes who admire the glitter which affluence throws 



84 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



around him, and with other multitudes of obsequi- 
ous and cringing dependents. But the man is no 
sooner in his grave than all this feeling is trans- 
ferred to his successor ; for wealth, and not moral 
excellence, is its object. Compare with this man 
the benevolent Howard, whose path was through 
the prison and the dungeon — whose home was with 
the friendless and distressed — the very fragments 
of whose fortune were preserved and devoted to 
the relief of human misery. The influence of How- 
ard remains indicated by that warmth of approba- 
tion with which the heart is drawn towards him. 
Posterity will feel and acknowledge the lasting in- 
fluence of that pure and active benevolence with 
which his life was distinguished. Take the lady 
around whom wealth has shed its most fascinating 
splendours ; compare the feelings associated with 
her name, with those which are strongly associated 
with the name of Isabella Graham. The name of 
the one awakens the remembrance of the sumptuous 
collation, the tumult of the merry dance, the gaie- 
ties of the splendid drawing-room : the name of the 
other is associated with labours of love, with tears 
of sorrow wiped away, with the widow's heart sing- 
ing for joy, with destitute orphans, clothed, in- 
structed, and cherished with maternal tenderness. 
Which of these would you rather be, in the estima- 
tion and feelings of posterity ? which of them, in 
the view of our omniscient Judge ? Without econo- 
my, neither Howard nor Mrs. Graham could have 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



done as much good as they actually have done ; and 
it is by the good they have done they live in 
our hearts, and will continue to live in the -hearts 
of unborn generations ; when the name of those 
who squandered their wealth on mere animal 
gratifications, on the gaieties of life, shall be forgot- 
ten. When mere animal appetite is to be gratified, 
the table of the rich is welcome ; when literary 
taste seeks for pleasure, the productions of genius 
are valued ; but when sorrow and distress are to be 
relieved, when the wounded spirit is to be healed, 
the bleeding heart to be soothed and comforted, we 
naturally look to the man of economical habits, of 
benevolent dispositions, of tender and compassion- 
ate feelings. How strong and how endearing, then, 
should be our attachment to Jesus Christ, the 
friend of the helpless, the Saviour of sinners ; and 
how unbounded the influence with which he should 
reign over our hearts and our lives ! 

A vast amount of human misery may be traced 
to idleness, all which would be prevented by pre- 
venting the idleness from which it flows. Those 
who observe the Bible as their rule of life will be 
preserved from this vicious habit, which, in that 
holy volume, is most explicitly reprobated, and its 
tendency to misery clearly pointed out. 

An idle soul shall suffer hunger: That ye study 
to be quiet, and to do your oion business, and to ivork 

it! t your own hands, as we commanded you ; that 
ye may walk honestly toward them thai are without, 
8 



86 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



and that ye may have lack of nothing. From these 
and other passages which might be quoted, it ap- 
pears that want, pinching want, is the consequence 
of idleness ; and our own observation confirms the 
remark. The manna no longer falls from the clouds, 
nor does the earth yield her increase without the 
labour of man. His wants cannot be supplied with- 
out his own industry, nor can his appetite be long 
denied. Hence a state of want opens the door to 
vice of the most atrocious character. The prayer 
of Agur is as wise as it is pious — Remove far from 
me — poverty ; lest I be poor and steal, and take the 
name of my God in vain. That man whose moral 
principle does not restrain him from idleness, will 
probably not hesitate to steal, or resort to some 
dishonest method of procuring his daily subsistence. 
The next step will be, in order to escape suspicion 
and detection, to take the name of God in vain, 
either in false and profane asseverations of his in- 
nocence, or in actual perjury. He will not, how- 
ever, be believed ; he cannot live without the sup- 
plies which nature requires ; if these are not provi- 
ded by honest industry, they must be obtained in 
some other way. His idleness, therefore, will be a 
much stronger proof of his guilt, than his profane 
and positive declarations, or even his perjury, can 
be of his innocence. Sooner or later, he will be 
detected, and detection will be followed by punish- 
ment and disgrace. If none but the worthless idler 
himself was involved, the case would not be so dis- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



87 



tressing ; but his family and his relatives are heirs 
to some degree of his misery and disgrace, and es- 
pecially if among these there should be a pious 
heart, that heart will feel an anguish not surpassed 
by the piercing of a thousand daggers. 

The human mind is naturally active, and will be 
employed ; if not engaged in some regular and use- 
ful occupation, it will be employed in disturbing the 
peace of society. Withal, says Paul, speaking of 
certain characters, theg learn to be idle, wandering 
about from house to house; and not only idle, but 
tattlers also, and busy-bodies, speaking things which 
they ought not. Paul was a philosopher, as well as 
an inspired writer. Tell him the nature of a cause, 
and he will tell you the effects which will result 
from its operation. Tell him that a woman (and it 
is of women he is here speaking) is neither employed 
in looking well to the tvays of her household, nor in 
works of charity, nor in religious duties, but is idle ; 
he will tell you, that if she is not led from a sense 
of duty to a life of industry, she will have no re- 
sources within herself to furnish the mind with 
pleasing employment, she will seek a refuge from 
the barrenness and solitude of her own vacant mind 
in the company of others ; that as the company of 
such a person can neither be very useful nor agree- 
able, she will not be pressed to make long visits ; 
she will therefore- go from house to house ; but as 
she wishes to appear of some consequence, and that 
her visits may appear to have some object, she will 



88 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



necessarily become a tattler ; she will overflow with 
trifling, impertinent and mischievous conversation ; 
and in order to collect abundant materials for 
this ceaseless tale-bearing, she will next become a 
busy-body, impertinently meddling with the con- 
cerns of others, officiously offering her advice, in- 
sidiously tempting them to an unreserved expression 
of their opinion ; with eagerness she will catch what 
they say ; and what they do not say, she will supply 
from suspicion and conjecture : dressing up the 
whole with her own exaggeration, misrepresenta- 
tion, and colouring, she will fly from house to house, 
the herald of scandal, and the harbinger of strife 
and contention. Who has not witnessed the peace 
of families disturbed, whole neighbourhoods em- 
broiled in discord and cruel animosities which ter- 
minate, perhaps, only with life, by the mischievous 
prattling of one such tale-bearer? Her idleness 
and her officious meddling, her empty, perhaps ma- 
licious loquacity, will soon recoil, with fearful effect, 
upon herself. When her character is known, her 
presence will impose a restraint on that free and 
unreserved conversation, which is the life of friend- 
ship, and which might flow with safety into bosoms 
under the restraint of religious principle. She will 
be the terror of society ; and her visits will be 
dreaded by all families who wish to live in peace 
and harmony. One sinner destroyeth much good. 
Contrasted with such an one, how blessed is the 
peace maker. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



89 



Compare with this tattler, the character of the 
virtuous woman, given in the 30th chapter of Pro- 
verbs. The one has lost the confidence atrd affec- 
tion of all ; the other is highly esteemed and be- 
loved — for her price is above rubies ; especially does 
the heart of her husband, who knows her best, re- 
pose in her with perfect safety. The one is idle, 
working not at all ; the other looJceth ivell to the 
ivays of her household, and eateth not the bread of 
idleness ; she provides clothing for her family, and 
they are not afraid of the snow. Nor is it an ex- 
cuse for idleness that her own family are abundantly 
supplied ; she has other important objects to an- 
swer with the fruit of her industry ; she maketh 
fine linen and selleth it, and deliver eth girdles to the 
merchant. Thus she is provided with the means of 
doing good and relieving the sufferings of others ; 
she stretcheth out her hand to the poor ; yea, she 
reacheth forth her hands to the needy. The tattler 
is wandering about, speaking things which she ought 
not, with an untamed, unbridled tongue, full of 
deadly poison, setting on fire the course of nature ; 
the virtuous woman openeth her mouth with wisdom ; 
and in her tongue is the law of kindness. How wide 
is the difference, perceived from this contrast ! The 
one is idle, wandering about tattling, impertinently 
meddling, retailing scandal, sowing the seeds of 
discord ; and as the consequence of all this, she is 
suspected, shunned, dreaded, neglected, and has not 
a sincere friend on earth. The other is industrious, 
8 * 



90 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



a keeper at home, peaceful, charitable, kind ; and as 
the natural consequence of this, she is respected, 
esteemed, beloved, and finds a friend in every vir- 
tuous heart. Behold the fruits of idleness, in the 
one case, and avoid it ; see the fruits of laudable 
industry, in the other, and pursue it. Obey the 
earnest command and exhortation of Paul, intended 
to prevent idleness with all its numerous and dis- 
astrous effects : Now them that are such [idlers, 
busy-bodies,] we command and exhort, by our Lord 
Jesus Christ, that ivith quietness they work, and eat 
their own bread. 

Idleness is particularly dangerous to youth. At 
this interesting period the mind should be discip- 
lined by regular attention to some useful occupa- 
tion ; the character should be formed, and habits 
acquired, which will promise usefulness and re- 
spectability in future. At this season the thoughts 
are naturally vagrant, the passions are warm and 
impetuous, and readily follow the wayward thoughts 
which excite them. The more the mind is left 
without the influence of wholesome restraint, the 
more it loves this kind of freedom, and the more 
impatient of control does it become. When the 
youth applies to his daily pursuit, not from inclina- 
tion, nor from a sense of his own interest, nor from 
confirmed habit, but merely from a regard to the au- 
thority of his parents or instructors, the effects of idle- 
ness for one month, or even one week, will be very 
perceivable. The loss will be, not simply in propor- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 91 



tion to the number of days or hours for which atten- 
tion has been suspended, but also in proportion to the 
dissipation of thought, which has been the result of 
this intermission. At the end of this month or week 
the mind will not return to its regular pursuit with 
the same facility of application, with the same force 
of habit, which it possessed at the commencement. 
The boatman, ascending the stream, who intermits 
his exertions for ten minutes, will have lost, not simp- 
ly the distance which he could have ascended in that 
time, but the distance also by which the current has 
carried him farther from the point of his destination : 
several minutes will be required to reach the point 
where his efforts ceased. The youthful mind is car- 
ried forward chiefly by authority operating on it from 
without, and not by motives which exist within 
itself. The moment authority ceases to operate, the 
mind is borne away by the current of its own 
thoughts and passions in a different, and most proba- 
bly, in an opposite direction ; time is, therefore, 
required to regain the point from which it has thus 
been carried away. 

Now, if we are not greatly mistaken, this shows 
the reason why many a youth is ruined, who might 
have been a respectable and useful member of so- 
ciety, and a comfort to his friends — an injudicious 
exercise of this authority. It is absolutely a bur- 
lesque on human nature to suppose, as some, claim- 
ing the character of philosophers, have done, that 
a child is not to be subjected to any control, but be 



92 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



left to its own reason for a guide ; as this strength- 
ens, it is alleged, it will more and more clearly per- 
ceive and pursue the correct course. Long before 
reason can be supposed to have reached that matu- 
rity which would answer this purpose, thought is 
awakened, and passions are called into exercise. 
These passions are the current by which the mind 
is first moved. The child has yet no reason to 
guide this current, and the philosophy of the father 
will not permit his reason to interpose ; the current 
is, therefore, suffered to take its own course. These 
passions are all to be indulged, for denial would be 
the exercise of authority, and every indulgence in- 
creases their strength. When reason, at length, 
casts its first feeble view on the world, through 
which it is to guide the child, the youth, and the 
man, it sees that world not as it really is, but as it 
appears through the perverting medium of the pas- 
sions. Reason begins to unfold and to act under 
the full and established influence of the passions. 
If the reason of the father, with all his knowledge 
and experience of the world, did not attempt to 
control these passions, can the reason of the child 
be expected to turn their strong and impetuous 
current ? The singularity of this philosophy is, 
that the child, whose passions are strong, whose 
reason is weak, whose knowledge of the world is ex- 
tremely limited, should be expected to accomplish a 
task which the father, whose reason is fully ma- 
tured, whose knowledge of the world, both from 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



93 



observation and experience, is extensive, has not 
attempted to do. The first conclusions of reason 
in the child will most probably be of this nature — 
My father who loves me, and who is much better 
qualified than I am to judge of the course I should 
pursue, has never denied, but always indulged me ; 
I therefore conclude that this is the proper course. 
Reason comes into exercise — the pupil, or rather 
the subject of the passions. The reports which the 
understanding receives from the world without, of 
what is right and wrong, good and evil, honourable 
and dishonourable, proper and improper, are all 
made by the passions. These reports are the ma- 
terials with which reason forms its first decisions ; 
and it is easy to see that they will be in favour of 
the passions : indeed, according to the constitution 
of the human mind, they cannot be otherwise. A 
character formed on the principles of this philoso- 
phy, is one governed by the passions ; reason has 
no other province, in fact, is permitted to do no- 
thing else, than to devise ways and means for the 
indulgence of these sovereigns of the mind. Yet 
some profess to admire this system as a great im- 
provement in education — as a method calculated to 
raise the human mind to the highest point of per- 
fection, and thus promote, by rapid strides, the 
prosperity and happiness of society. We have 
known a few characters formed after this mo- 
del ; and certainly we could not envy the parents 
the satisfaction they derived from the experiment ; 



94 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



nor could the communitj^ very loudly boast of them 
as a valuable acquisition. A few weeks, during the 
late revolution in France, exhibit, on a large scale, 
the genuine tendency of this philosophy. May the 
loud trumpet of the angel summon this world to 
its last account, before another such exhibition is 
witnessed ! You might as well take the reins of 
civil government from the enlightened and the wise, 
and place them in the hands of the ignorant, head- 
strong rabble, and call this a great improvement in 
political science. You might as well require a man 
to view every object through an instrument com- 
posed of glasses highly discoloured, and of different 
convexities, and call this a wonderful improvement 
in optics. You might as well deprive the ship of 
its compass and its rudder, leave it to drive before 
the wind and the tide, and call this a great im- 
provement in navigation. Neither of these cases 
involves a greater absurdity than it does to with* 
draw entirely the judicious exercise of parental 
authority, and commit the government of a child to 
its own blind and impetuous passions. 

Either in conformity with this preposterous 
theory, or from criminal and inexcusable negligence, 
parental authority often interposes at a period en- 
tirely too late to produce any good results. When 
the character has received its cast ; when habits are 
formed ; when the thoughts have taken their direc- 
tion ; when the passions are confirmed in unresisted 
dominion ; the restraints of interposing authority 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



95 



will be spurned away; and the attitude of defiance, 
which the youth himself will, no doubt, call noble 
independence, will be assumed. It is now too late 
to mould the character into any other form than that 
which the passions will give it. The gentle rill may 
easily be led into another channel ; but when swol- 
len into an impetuous torrent, it defies such efforts, 
and rushes forward in its accustomed course. This 
youth is the disturber and the pest of schools and 
academies, and the patron of tumult and rebellion 
in colleges. Reaching the years of manhood, with- 
out mental discipline to render him useful, without 
virtuous principle to restrain him, he lives only to 
gratify his licentious passions. This indulgence is 
sought, regardless of the rights, the peace, or the 
happiness of others. His example spreads around him 
a contagion more dangerous than that of the most 
deadly disease. Female innocence and honour are 
never safe in his presence ; they will be destroyed 
for his indulgence without hesitation and without 
compunction. The life of his most intimate friend 
will be sacrificed to gratify the pride of his haughty 
and resentful spirit. He moves through society 
like a volcano ; the bursting forth of his passions 
will blast every vestige of virtue within its reach, 
and whelm in indiscriminate ruin every thing that 
stands in the way. 

Sometimes this authority commences at a period 
sufficiently early ; but it is too feeble to produce 
any good effect. The child soon learns to estimate 



96 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



the strength of that arm by which it is to be gov- 
erned ; and by a few trials, will ascertain the de- 
gree of importunity and perseverance which will ob- 
tain permission to take its own course. A system 
of judicious rules is laid down, but not enforced with 
sufficient firmness : the child soon learns the art of 
transgressing with impunity, and of obtaining the 
forbidden indulgence. The parent may think that 
he is discharging his duty ; but the child is its own 
governor : there is the name and the appearance of 
authority, but not the reality. The only habit 
formed in the child, is the habit of seeking and con- 
tending for its own indulgence. The authority of 
others is irregular and capricious. One day it is 
exercised with decision ; but the next, it is in a great 
measure, if not entirely, relaxed. The child, while 
under the influence of this authority, is anticipat- 
ing the hour of relaxation, when it will enjoy the 
freedom of unrestrained indulgence. All that is 
gained one day is lost the next ; no habit of regular 
application, or of submission is formed. One day 
authority urges the child forward in the correct 
course ; the next, it is led by inclination and pas- 
sion. These fluctuating efforts are not calculated 
to form a character for usefulness or respectability. 
There are others who exercise their authority only 
under the impulse of anger or resentment, which 
they either cannot, or do not take pains to conceal. 
Correction is sometimes administered with a severity 
altogether disproportioned to the fault ; a slight of- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



97 



fence is sometimes harshly reprimanded, while at 
another time, one of more dangerous tendency, under 
a less degree of feeling, is suffered to pass with im- 
punity. The child soon learns to associate this 
authority, not with its own advantage, but with the 
gratification of the parent. It is not taught to 
consider its own passions as worthy of blame or 
correction ; but the parent's irritation is blamed and 
regretted as the only obstacle in the way of its un- 
bounded pleasure. Such a government, dictated, 
not by reason, nor by that wisdom ivliich cometh 
down from above, but by the displeasure and resent- 
ment of the parent, will issue in no happy result ; 
for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness 
of Grod. To such authority the youthful mind will 
submit with the greatest impatience, and the hour 
of escape from its unwelcome restraints will be an- 
ticipated with eager delight, as the hour of freedom, 
independence, and happiness. That hour wfl] come 
before this youth is prepared, by proper discipline 
of mind, by habits of application, industry and self- 
control, for a life of usefulness and respectability. 

Many a youth, otherwise promising, is materially 
injured, and not a few are utterly ruined, by some 
radical defect in the training of their early years. 
Application to any regular business is, to them, irk- 
some and intolerable. The gratification of their 
passions, the supreme law of their life, cannot be 
obtained without invading the rights, disturbing the 
peace, and destroying the happiness of others. 



98 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



We cannot but notice the wisdom and goodness 
of those precepts of the Bible which relate to the 
education of children. They are adapted to what 
human nature has been found to be in all countries 
and in all ages. Instead of countenancing the 
opinion that the infant mind is a mere blank, with- 
out tendency to either good or evil, and susceptible 
of impressions alike from both, we are taught that 
from the very birth, the mind is depraved, or has a 
decisive tendency to that which is wrong ; that its 
very first actings and emotions are evil. For seve- 
ral years the child is utterly incapable of govern- 
ing itself : yet during these years, much of the ardu- 
ous and difficult task of education may be accomp- 
lished, by forming habits of cheerful submission to 
the dictates of parental wisdom and prudence. The 
Bible recognizes the parent, under whose care the 
child is placed, as the person whose duty it is to 
perform this task. The great object which the 
parent should aim to accomplish, is the judicious con- 
trol of the passions. In most cases, it is easier, and 
requires less effort, to prevent passion, than to man 
age and subdue it when excited. When they are 
excited, and this, after all the caution which can be 
used, will too often be the case, parental authority 
should interpose and prevent their indulgence. 
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger. The 
wisdom and goodness of this precept is forgotten 
or disregarded by those who, for their own amuse- 
ment, unnecessarily teaze and provoke children to 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



99 



fretfulness and anger. These persons may be 
amused with such needless irritation of the child ; 
but they are doing it a serious injury, rendering the 
task of the parent more difficult, and are violating 
the precept of God. Passions once excited, will 
more easily be excited again ; and the more fre- 
quently they are roused, the more violent and the 
more unmanageable do they become. Parents, pro- 
voke not your children, lest they be discouraged. If 
the authority of the parent is weak, capricious, ex- 
ercised with evident displeasure, sometimes enforced 
and sometimes suspended, interposing with severity 
for mere trifles, the result of thoughtless indiscre- 
tion, and suffering more serious and designed of- 
fences to escape with impunity, the child will not 
know by what means to secure the approbation of 
the parent, will, of course, be discouraged, and give 
up the attempt as entirely hopeless. The whole 
duty of the parent is included in this precept — • 
Train up a child in the way in which it should go. 

With this view, authority should be exercised with 
constancy, with judgment, with decision, and yet 
with tenderness and affection. By persevering in 
tliis plan, through the aid of divine grace, the child 
will be trained and confirmed in the habit of will- 
ing and cheerful submission to authority; and this, 
we assuredly believe, however widely others may 
differ in opinion, is, at once, the most important and 
the most difficult part of education. When this 
habit is well established, the task of the instructor, 



100 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



either in literature or in the mechanical arts, will be 
easy and delightful. The man thus trained, accus- 
tomed to control his passions by the dictates of 
wisdom and prudence, will be prepared to render a 
cheerful obedience to the laws of the state ; and, as 
far as human efforts can produce such an effect, will 
be prepared to bow to the high and holy authority 
of Heaven, the most reasonable, just, mild, and be- 
nign authority in the universe. This may be found 
a difficult task ; but should not be given up in de- 
spair ; for it is the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord ; and the Lord will assist the honest efforts 
made in obedience to his will. The child thus 
trained up, when he is old, he will not depart from it. 

By idleness, we mean the want of some regular 
and useful occupation, which, whether it gives ex- 
ercise to the body or not, will certainly give exer- 
cise to the mind ; will furnish habitual employment 
for the thoughts. The man whose thoughts are not 
thus employed, is idle; and idleness of this kind 
generally fosters the passions, and gives them a 
very pernicious and undue ascendency. There are 
some professions, indispensable to the good order 
and happiness of society, which give too little ex- 
ercise to the body, and yet call for the utmost vigour 
of mental exertion. The man, engaged in these 
professions, may be most actively and usefully em- 
ployed, and yet his body may even suffer for want 
of exercise. Such men deserve not the reproach 
of idleness. He is idle whose exertions are not 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 101 



calculated to increase the amount of human enjoy- 
ment. He who is inactive is the drone of society, 
feeding, without shame, on the labour of others : 
he who is active in wickedness infuses poison into 
the veins of society. 

By industry we economize our time, gather up its 
fragments, and suffer nothing to be lost. The 
talent of turning every hour to some good account 
is a most desirable, because a most useful one. The 
amount of good resulting from the industry of a 
man, who improves these fragments of time, com- 
pared with one who, though not unemployed suffers 
them to be lost, will be very considerable, in the 
course of an ordinary life. Nor can any person, 
we conceive, plead an exemption from this obliga- 
tion. If his own necessities do not require it, the 
suffering of others may be relieved by the fruit of 
this extra industry. From the sentence pro- 
nounced on man, immediately after the fall, it would 
appear that the comfortable subsistence of the hu- 
man family, requires the labour and exertion, in 
some way or other, of every member of that family. 
If one is idle, some other one must, therefore, be 
taxed with more than his equal share of this labour. 
If one is found wasting the means of subsistence in 
the criminal indulgence of his passions and appe- 
tites, the want and suffering of another will be the 
consequence of this indulgence. Industry, economy, 
and charity should aim at equalising these toils and 
these sufferings, 
o * 



102 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



SECTION II. 

Intemperance— Importance of Truth, Justice, Honesty- — 
Effects of Sinful Passions. 

Intemperance, often the consequence of idle- 
ness, is another pregnant source of human misery ; 
all of which would be prevented by observing the 
wise and salutary precepts of the Bible. It is a 
proof of the divine goodness, that provision is made 
to satisfy the appetites of our animal nature ; and 
a proof, not less obvious, of the same goodness is 
seen in prohibiting the indulgence of these appetites, 
beyond what nature requires. When sanctified by 
the word of God and prayer, and when received 
with thanksgiving, every creature of God is good, 
and nothing to be refused. But the moment these 
limits are disregarded, and our gratification is car- 
ried to excess, that moment it becomes pernicious 
to ourselves, and criminal in the sight of God. The 
law of Moses, given immediately from God himself, 
who is the author of our nature, and who knows 
what is inconsistent with our happiness, punishes 
with death a stubborn, rebellious, and intemperate 
son — Deut. xxL 20 : If the parents shall say to the 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 103 



elders of the city, this our son is stubborn and rebel- 
lious, he is a glutton and a drunkard; all the men 
of the city shall stone him with stones that he die. 
The will of God is good ; and every departure from 
it will, sooner or later, be productive of misery, in 
proportion to this goodness. Intemperance is fol- 
lowed by a train of incalculable sufferings. It is 
open and deliberate rebellion against God; leads 
directly to poverty, wastes the health of the body, 
and destroys the life of thousands. Temperance, 
which is self-government, or moderation in the 
enjoyment of animal pleasures, is conducive to the 
health and vigour both of mind and body. He that 
loveth pleasure shall be a poor man ; he that loveth 
wine and oil shall not be rich ; for the drunkard 
and the glutton shall come to poverty. The observa- 
tion of every person will convince him of the truth 
of these declarations. Hence the goodness of the 
following cautions, prohibitions, and warnings : — 
Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts 
be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and 
the cares of this world; when thou sittest to eat with 
a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee ; and 
put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to 
appetite : be not desirous of his dainties, for they 
are deceitful meats: let us walk honestly as in the 
day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in cham- 
bering and ivantonness : make no provision for the 
flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof: use this world as not 
abusing it. The numerous and disastrous con^e- 



104 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



quences of intemperance have proclaimed, and do 
loudly proclaim that goodness which exhorts us to 
be temperate in all things. 

The intemperate use of ardent spirits, particu- 
larly, so frequently and so pointedly condemned in 
scripture, is an evil without a parallel in our be- 
loved country. All the highway robbers, all the 
thieves, all the pilferers in the Union have not pro- 
duced a tenth part of the misery which marks the 
progress of this insidious foe. All the flames which 
have threatened desolation to our cities, towns, and 
villages, have not destroyed a thirtieth, and proba- 
bly not a fiftieth part, of what is wasted, and worse 
than wasted, by this demon of destruction. It 
generates some of the most painful diseases to 
which our system is liable; quenches the eye of 
genius in darkness, and degrades the most brilliant 
talents into mere drivelling childish imbecility : 
turns the wise man into a fool, and the peaceful 
and good-natured into furies of discord and con- 
tention. It destroys all sense of shame and moral 
obligation, and thus opens a wide door to every 
species of vice. It is the precursor of disputes, of 
quarreling, and feuds, which often terminate in 
bloodshed. Who hath woe ? who hath sorrow ? 
who hath contentions ? who hath babbling ? who hath 
wounds without cause ? who hath redness of eyes f 
They that tarry long at the wine ; they that go to 
seek mixed wine. 

Intemperance can boast a greater number of 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



105 



victims, and by far a greater amount of misery, 
than the sword of war. Could the calculation be 
accurately made, and was it to commence with the 
moment when the first American blood was shed on 
the plains of Lexington, embracing all whose life, 
during the revolutionary contest, was the price of 
our liberty ; all who fell, by land and by sea, during 
the late war ; all the trophies of the Indian toma- 
hawk and scalping-knife ; together with all the 
grief occasioned by these deaths in the bosom of 
surviving friends : and could a similar calculation 
be made, commencing from that moment down to 
the present, of all the deaths and all the sorrows 
occasioned by the intemperate use of ardent spirits, 
there is no doubt but the number of deaths would 
be greater, and the amount of grief more compli- 
cated and more poignant in the latter than in the 
former case. The records of every year, since that 
time, of every city, every town, every village, and 
every neighbourhood in our country would add to 
the catalogue of deaths and swell the amount of 
gloomy distress. During most of those years, the 
impliments of war have remained unemployed ; but 
the angel of death has continued the work of de- 
struction, by day and by night, without intermis- 
sion. 

The same effects may be expected, in time to 
come, from the same cause, unless it shall please a 
gracious God to arrest its progress. Let the mise- 
ries arising from this source, for twenty years to 



106 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



come, be grouped before the mind. You will, in 
that group, see the man, who, by correct deport- 
ment, by industry, and by temperance, rises to re- 
spectability and usefulness, sharing the merited 
esteem of numerous friends, seduced at length by 
this foe to the human race, tottering and falling, to 
rise no more ; leaving a worthy family the victims 
of corroding sorrow, and the heirs of indigence and 
want. You will there see the young man, whose 
cultivated mind, whose promising talents, w 7 hose 
brilliant genius, have excited the joy of his parents 
and the hope of his friends, incautiously frequent- 
ing the haunts of intemperance, caught in the fatal 
snare, fast verging to disgrace, becoming a perfect 
nuisance in society, and rushing into a premature 
grave ; exchanging the joy of his parents for an- 
guish more intolerable than death, blasting the 
hope of his friends with all the bitterness of disap- 
pointment. How many wives will you there see, 
at the hour of midnight, to them a sleepless hour, 
suffering a torture increasing with every moment 
their husbands are absent, and yet dreading their 
return with apprehensions not less intolerable than 
this torture itself! How many children will you 
see, left orphans in a world of unfeeling neglect, 
doomed to a life of unpitied want, perhaps to beg- 
gary ! The pencil of West has immortalized his 
name by adorning the canvass with the Saviour, 
giving strength to the feeble, limbs to the maimed, 
soundness to the lame, sight to the blind, and health 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 107 



to the sick. But of this group the figures requir- 
ing the strongest light, and claiming the most con- 
spicuous place in the foreground ; the insidious ad- 
vances and desolating ravages of this monster; the 
convulsions of death, and the premature graves; 
the disappointed expectations and blasted hopes ; 
the touching scenes of grief ; the haggard forms of 
woe and despair, are too numerous and too compli- 
cated for the canvass to receive, and for the pencil 
of human skill to paint. Intemperance will hold 
the pencil ; our country is the canvass where all 
these scenes will be exhibited : and Omniscience is 
the eye that will take them all in at one view. Let 
us beseech Almighty God to give success to his 
gospel — the only effectual remedy for all these 
nameless miseries. 

The Bible not only requires the moral virtues of 
truth, justice, and honesty, but enforces them with 
all the authority of Heaven, and thus raises them to 
the rank of religious duties. From the frequency 
and earnestness with which these principles are in- 
culcated, we may infer their beneficial tendency in 
promoting human happiness ; observation and ex- 
perience prove the correctness of this inference. 
We see and we feel the disappointment, the mis- 
chief, the embarrassment, the distress arising from 
misrepresentations intended to deceive, from wilful 
falsehood, from injustice, and fraud — all which evils 
would be prevented by a conscientious regard to the 
precepts of the Bible, which censures and condemns 



108 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



these vices — Ye shall not lie one to another. Put- 
ting aivay lying, speak every man truth with his 
neighbour. Lie not one to another, seeing ye have 
put off the old man. A righteous man hateth lying. 
Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely. If thou 
sellest aught to thy neighbour, or if thou buyest 
aught of thy neighbour s hand, ye shall not oppress 
one another. The gospel teaches us to live right- 
eously ; to do justice. This is the will of God, that 
no man go beyond or defraud his brother in any 
matter, because that the Lord is the avenger of all 
such. 

That departure from these evangelical principles 
which does the greatest mischief in society, is found 
in those who claim a respectable standing for truth 
and honesty ; who would kindle with resentment at 
the insinuation that they were anything but men of 
strict veracity and justice. The notorious liar will 
deceive but few ; for a lying tongue is but for a mo- 
ment. The greatest injury is done to society, not, 
perhaps, by the thief and the robber, but by the 
numerous train of speculators, sharpers, swindlers, 
and those who carelessly or wilfully fail in fulfilling 
their promises, in complying with their contracts, 
in paying their debts. There are two classes of 
men whose honesty is not doubtful ; the one em- 
braces all those who never pay their just debts, until 
they are compelled by the civil law ; the other, all 
those who owe no man any thing, who pay their 
debts punctually, and agreeably to their promise. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 109 



There is a third class, embracing, probably, a large 
majority, of whose honesty the best, perhaps, that 
can be said, is that it is doubtful. A obtains and 
appropriates to his own use the property of B, and 
promises that on a particular day he will make a 
satisfactory compensation to B for the use of his 
property. The promise is reduced to writing, is 
signed, and sealed, and witnessed. The specified 
day arrives which is to test the faithfulness and 
honesty of A ; if the payment is made agreeable 
to promise, he is a man of sound integrity. Yet how 
often is it the case that the day arrivesand passes 
away, and the payment is not made, the promise is 
not fulfilled. Where is the truth of this promise, 
and the justice of this delay ? The promise was 
that B should receive his compensation on a parti- 
cular day; but he does not receive it ; of course the 
promise was not true. B consented that A should 
have his property without payment till a certain day, 
but no longer. Everyday, therefore, after the one 
specified, which A delays the payment, he holds 
this property not only without, but contrary to the 
consent of B. Can this be justice ? If it be, what, 
then, is injustice? Our opinions on these subjects 
may be thought old-fashioned ; we know, indeed, they 
are not fashionable, because they are not very com- 
mon. But in our humble opinion, there is neither 
truth in this promise, nor justice in this transaction. 
Nor can we deem it a sufficient excuse for A to al- 
lege that he was ready, on the appointed day, to make 
10 



110 



THE INFLUENCE OP THE BIBLE. 



the payment, if B had called on him for this purpose. 
It is, at least, implied in the promise of A, that he 
w ill go to B for this purpose. Still less satisfactory is 
the plea of forgetfulness. If he was to receive the 
payment, his memory, in all probability, would not 
be so treacherous. If truth and justice are matters 
of so much indifference with him, that he can so 
easily forget them, it is evident he is but little con- 
cerned to deserve the character which he claims. If 
A, when he made the promise, depended, for the 
means of fulfilling it, on his own industry and econ- 
omy, and he, at the same time, is idle and wasteful, 
he is culpable, of course, in the same proportion ; 
such idleness and prodigality cause the forfeiture 
of his fidelity and honesty. He indulges himself 
at the expense of another, contrary to his consent. 
After the promise is made, and before the day ar- 
rives, if any occurrence should take place, which 
A could neither prevent nor foresee, and which puts 
it out of his power to comply with this engagement, 
then he is clear of suspicion ; provided, as soon as 
possible, he makes B fully acquainted with the fact: 
the failure is owing to the providence of God, not 
to his want of principle. If, however, no such event 
has occurred ; if all the resources on which he de- 
pended have answered what might have reasonably 
been expected from them ; or if he made the pro- 
mise without any reasonable prospect, known at the 
time, of being able to comply with it ; then, in ad- 
dition to falsehood and injustice, no ingenuity nor 



THE INFLUENCE UE THE BIBLE. 



Ill 



even sophistry, can save him from the charge of 
wilful deception. Had these improbabilities and 
uncertainties been known, B would not, at -least on 
the same terms, have given him possession of his 
property, nor placed the same confidence in his pro- 
mise. This concealment, therefore, was fraudulent 
and criminal. It is not walking honestly to them 
who are without, nor who are within the church. It 
is not providing things honest in the sight of all 'men, 
still less in the sight of the Lord our Judge. 

B makes a similar promise to C, and trusts in the 
fidelity and honesty of A for the means of com- 
plying with his engagement. C, placing confidence 
in B, makes a promise to D, and D again to E, and 
E to F, and so on. If A deceives B, the failure 
with all its consequences will roll on to G, and from 
C to D, and to E, and to F. F is urged for pay- 
ment which he cannot make without a sacrifice. He 
is perplexed and embarrassed, and his property is 
sold for one third of its value. F commences a 
similar process with E, and E with D all of 
whom are involved in trouble and loss. Each of 
them have families who are involved in the same 
troubles; and whose reasonable expectations of fu- 
ture support and provision are blasted. Had A 
been a man of truth, and honesty, all this trouble 
and distress would have been prevented. Had the 
precepts of the gospel governed his heart and his 
life, he would have spoken the truth and acted 
honestly. 



112 THE INFLUENCE OE THE BIBLE. 

This case is the representative of ten thousand 
others which bear to it a greater or less degree of 
similarity, and produce greater or less degrees of 
those evils which always attend the violation of 
truth and justice. We know, indeed, that a thou- 
sand excuses will be offered to shield the character 
from the charge of falsehood and fraud. This 
proves that there is an indifference, truly alarming 
towards the authority of God, and to all that por- 
tion of human happiness which depends on the in- 
fluence of truth and justice. The very excuse that 
is offered, does homage to the high importance and 
beneficial tendency of these sacred principles. He 
who offers it, wishes to enjoy the advantages and 
the pleasures which he supposes may be obtained 
by falsehood and dishonesty, while he shrinks from 
the reproach they deserve. The person who is the 
guilty cause of miseries extending beyond his 
knowledge, perhaps to generations yet unborn, lulls 
himself into indifference, and quiets his mind with 
the most frivolous excuse. As a madman who casteth 
firebrands, arrows, and death ; so is he that de- 
ceiveth his neighbour, and saith, am not 1 in sport ? 
As if society ought to suffer without complaint, for 
the pleasure of a base and fraudulent deceiver. 

One day, or one week later than the time speci- 
fied, in performing a promise, is considered a mat- 
ter of too little consequence to deserve any blame. 
This, however, is as certainly a departure from truth 
as would be the delay of ten weeks or of ten years. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



113 



One drop contains all the properties of water as 
certainly as does the whole ocean ; for the whole 
ocean is made up of single drops. One inch from 
a given line is as certainly a departure from thai 
line as ten inches, or even twenty miles are. Add 
inch to inch, and at length you will make up the 
twenty miles, which consist of a definite number of 
inches. The greatest instance of falsehood, and 
which affects most deeply the interests of society, 
differs not in nature, but only in degree, from false- 
hood relating to small matters. If one day involves 
no blame, neither does two, nor four, nor eight, nor 
any definite number you please to mention. Add 
together as many cyphers as you please, and the 
amount will still be nothing. If one day involves 
no blame, neither does a year, nor even ten years, 
which are made up of a certain number of days. 
The injustice is more flagrant, the falsehood is more 
palpable and pernicious in proportion to the time 
for which the fulfilment of the promise is delayed ; 
of course, each day, the first, as well as every other, 
has its due proportion of blame. Sound integrity 
of character is a unit ; it cannot bear the slightest 
diminution, without injury. 

The violation of matrimonial vows is attended 
with a train of evils which it is not easy to express, 
though thousands are doomed to writhe under them. 
The bare suspicion of infidelity fills the bosom with 
disquietude, and preys, like a vulture, on the heart ; 
the proof of guilt destroys the happiness and em- 
10 * 



114 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



bitters the future life of the injured party. The 
magnitude of the mischief arising from this species 
of unfaithfulness, is literally incalculable. The loss 
of affection, once solemnly pledged, the cold neglect, 
the bitter disappointment, the cruel insult, which is 
involved in every case of conjugal falsehood, make 
up the complicated injury, bequeathed to the mis- 
erable sufferer. The breach of this promise has in 
it all that is calculated to give aggravation to guilt 
in the sight of God, and all that is calculated to 
give poignancy to grief in the human heart. The 
promise of fidelity is generally, and ought univer- 
sally to be made as the result of affections, excited 
and cherished by the view of qualities, at once ami- 
able and desirable in their object; it is generally 
accompanied with those religious ceremonies which 
bring the parties to recognize their invisible Judge 
as the witness of their mutual sincerity. The de- 
liberate and wanton violation of such a promise is 
marked with a dereliction of principle, and with a 
turpitude of character w r hich cannot easily be sur- 
passed ; and is productive of that complicated an- 
guish which can find no refuge, and admits of no 
relief in this world. Even the kind hand of religion 
cannot pluck this thorn from the heart, and heal the 
wound which it inflicts. The grave is the only re- 
fuge to which the victims of this base infidelity can 
look for complete deliverance. Multitudes who are 
the authors of this exquisite suffering, who deserve 
the deepest brand of infamy, yet dare to show their 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 115 



shameless faces in decent society, and look for that 
respect which is due only to the virtuous and the 
good : and it is a melancholy proof of the want of 
correct principle, and of the low state of moral and 
religious feeling, that they do not meet, wherever 
they appear, those indignant frowns which would be 
too intolerable for them to bear. 

No man can read the Bible without perceiving 
with what just severity this species of falsehood and 
injustice is censured and condemned. Criminals 
of this description generally disregard the discipline 
of the church ; and for various reasons too often 
escape the penalties of the civil law : thus they pass 
with triumphant impunity. They can, however, 
escape but for a short time : such transgressors 
God will judge : He alone can inflict a punish- 
ment proportioned to their guilt, and to the suffer- 
ings they occasion to others. If the frowns of 
society do not repulse them, the frowns of Jehovah 
will pursue them with everlasting disgrace. 

Universal experience and observation will justify 
us in affirming that much, very much of the mise- 
ries of this life may be traced back to the sinful and 
wicked passions of men as their cause. By observ- 
ing that darkness uniformly retires before the rising 
sun, and returns again when he is withdrawn, we 
conclude that the sun is the cause of light, and of 
day, and that darkness is the consequence of his 
absence. In like manner, by observing that suf- 
fering, in a greater or less degree, is the concomi- 



116 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

tant of these guilty passions, we infer that the one 
is the cause of the other. 

The bosom in which these passions exist is not 
and cannot be happy. The proud man is not 
happy. He spurns with contempt the adulation of 
the vulgar, as unworthy of his notice ; his pride is 
nourished by the approbation of those alone, whose 
weight of character has raised them to the more 
elevated grades in society. Hence those who can 
minister to his gratification are comparatively but 
few ; and of this few, many of them will be his 
competitors for public applause. Two men gov- 
erned by the spirit of pride, are said to be the most 
disagreeable companions to each other. They ad- 
vance their mutual claims to meet with mutual de- 
nial and disappointment. Each one expects to re- 
ceive what the other is not disposed to give. Pride 
is ever ready to receive, but never to bestow appro- 
bation ; except, perhaps, with the view of receiving 
the same in return, with more than legal interest. 
This, however, is more the artifice of that paltry 
kind of pride, called vanity, than of that lofty, 
though diabolical feeling of which we are speaking. 
Vanity, which feeds on the flattery of all without 
discrimination, and soon recovers from the pain of 
disappointment, is the feature of a weak mind: 
pride is the vice of a great mind, and can relish 
nothing but that applause which is unconstrained 
and sincere. The slightest suspicion that the in- 
cense offered on its shrine is nothing but mere for- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



117 



mality, not seasoned with sincerity, produces the 
bitterest disappointment and chagrin. If he sees 
others receiving those respectful acknowledgments 
which he covets, this excites in his bosom jealousy, 
envy, hatred, malice, and resentment ; passions 
which, like a host of furies, prey upon his peace. 
Proud men are not disposed to gratify him, because 
they consider him their rival and opponent ; men 
of real worth are not disposed to gratify him, be- 
cause they consider it wrong to furnish indulgence 
for any vicious passion. Hence, his arrogant 
claims meeting with repulses from every quarter, 
his haughty spirit becomes, in his own breast, a 
source of vexation and disquietude. God and man 
agree in this one thing ; that is, in resisting the 
proud. If there is on earth a human being whom 
you could wish to see devoid of peace, and unhappy, 
infuse into him the spirit of pride, and your object 
will be accomplished. 

The ambitious man is not happy : his insatiable 
spirit, like the daughters of the horse-leech, is con- 
tinually crying, give, give; and like the grave, 
never saith, it is enough. He enters the public 
arena with numerous competitors, who labour to 
elevate themselves by thrusting him down. They 
scrutinize his character, suspect his motives, call in 
question his talent, thwart all his purposes, and 
view him as a public and licensed mark for the 
shafts of slander and reproach. Viewing them 
with the troubled eye of jealousy and envy, he con- 



118 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

tends with the same weapons, and employs the 
same methods for his own advancement, and de- 
rives the same enjoyment from their discomfiture. 
Through these tumultuous conflicts, along this peri- 
lous path, he urges his way towards the object of 
desire. Every ascent which he gains increases his 
desire, and redoubles his efforts to rise still higher. 
At length his eye fixes on the very summit of fame, 
and on the very highest post of honour, as the only 
limit of his boundless ambition. Nothing below 
this summit will quiet his restless spirit; and if 
this should, at length, be attained, a thousand bit- 
ter recollections of the past ascend with him as the 
inmates of his bosom ; a thousand suspicions and 
jealousies respecting the motives and designs of 
others invade him ; the envy of disappointed rivals, 
in a thousand forms and degrees haunt him, like 
spectres from the dead, and disturb his peace. The 
happiness which he fondly anticipated has fled from 
the station which he fills, and has left him heir to a 
nameless train of corroding anxieties. That ambi- 
tion which increased as he advanced, is now greater 
than at any former stage ; and yet having no higher 
object on which it can fix, it therefore becomes the 
tormentor of the bosom in which it exists. Such a 
mind can no more be at peace than can the ocean 
under the influence of the rushing tempest. 

If ambition dwells in the bosom of a chief, or a 
sovereign, his neighbours of the same grade become 
the objects of his suspicion and his jealousy. If 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 119 



they are his superiors, then his wealth, his power, 
his royalty, avail him nothing, till he can equal 
them; this accomplished, his spirit cannot rest till 
he is their acknowledged superior. When the 
world is obsequious at his feet, he weeps that there 
are not more worlds in the same prostrate condi- 
tion. 

There is another passion which torments the bo- 
som in which it is cherished ; that is, avarice. This 
is not only sinful in the sight of God, but it is ri- 
diculous in the sight of men. The man who is un- 
der the domination of this vice is necessarily un- 
happy. He feels a desire for the increase of bis 
wealth which cannot be satisfied ; and all ungrati- 
fied desire, of this kind particularly, is suffering. 
He that loveth silver, shall not be satisfied with sil- 
ver; neither he that loveth abundance, with increase. 
He loves wealth for its own sake, not as the means 
of innocent enjoyment, and still less of doing good. 
He prohibits himself from the enjoyment of it with 
a vigilance scarcely less constant and severe, than 
that with which he guards it from others. Sup- 
posing that the idol of his heart is as precious to 
others as it is to himself, he is the victim of per- 
petual fear and dread, lest it should be wrested 
from him by the hand of violence. Though he 
dare not enjoy it, yet its safety is, to him, a source 
of the most anxious solicitude. The abundance of 
the rich will not suffer them to sleep. Nor does lie 
consider, for whom do I labour, and bereave my 



120 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



soul of good ? His mean and sordid soul would be 
worthy of contempt, if his wretchedness and guilt 
did not advance much stronger claims to commise- 
ration. 

The man who is under the influence of envy can- 
not be happy. The good, the advantage, the enjoy- 
ment of others, especially of rivals and superiors, 
is the object of this feeling. The man voluntarily 
becomes his own tormentor because others are 
happy. Their deprivation, their misery, is the only 
relief his sufferings will admit of. It is said that 
Omnipotence can accomplish whatever is possible : 
is it possible, then, for God, who is infinite in good- 
ness, and who delights in happiness, to create a ra- 
tional creature who can be happy while envy is a 
feature of his character ? If he could, the fact is 
beyond our comprehension. He, therefore, who 
cherishes this passion must feel the suffering which 
it inflicts ; there is no escaping from it. Envy 
slayeth the silly one : envy is the rottenness of the 
bones. 

The sufferings which result from anger, are obvi- 
ous to all men. The world could not persuade you 
that the man under its influence is otherwise than 
unhappy. The flashing of his eye, his incoherent 
and hurried speech, his agitated frame, will force 
on your mind the conviction that, both in mind and 
body, he is suffering. Death is said to have been the 
consequence, in some instances, of violent parox- 
ysms of this passion ; and in many others, it is said to 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



121 



shorten life by generating painful and dangerous 
diseases. "Anger is particularly injurious to infants, 
-who, from the sensibility of their frames, are ex- 
tremely susceptible of this passion, and are some- 
times so severely afflicted as to die suddenly in con- 
vulsions, or to retain ever after an imbecility of 
mind and body arising from its powerful impression. 
We ought as rational agents to beware of encou- 
raging such destructive emotions ; for it is certain 
that men and women possessing an irascible temper 
generally die of pulmonary consumptions ; and 
young persons, especially females, should be in- 
formed, that independently of its moral turpitude, 
it deforms the face, steals the rose from the cheek 
of beauty, and not only tends to extinguish the most 
tender affections, but sometimes even produces aver- 
sion. It is only, therefore, in the bosom of fools that 
anger resteth ; of those who are regardless of their 
own peace of mind, of their own health and the 
preservation of their own lives. If the various mo- 
difications of this passion, malice, resentment, re- 
venge, &c., be less violent, they are for that very 
reason more permanent. These are the forms into 
which anger frequently subsides ; and they keep the 
mind in a state of habitual irritation and uneasi- 
ness until they are satiated by the infliction of pun- 
ishment on their object. The effect of these pas- 
sions on the peace and tranquillity of the mind is 
greater, because it is uniform. The malevolent 
spirit is continually watching and secretly praying 
11 



122 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

for the calamity of its object ; and if this calamity 
is escaped, painful disappointment is the conse- 
quence. Revenge is not satisfied with merely watch- 
ing for calamity ; it devises ways and means for 
producing misfortune. Like a beast of prey, its en- 
joyment and its life consist in the pain and death 
of others ; and for the sake of this enjoyment, it 
will inflict this pain and this death. 

There is a host of minor feelings which keep the 
mind in a state of perpetual disquietude, like the 
troubled sea which cannot rest. The mind is some- 
times torn and vexed with what may be called the 
dregs of other sinful and tormenting passions. Dis- 
contentedness renders the person dissatisfied with 
everything in his present condition ; peevishness 
renders him fretful and disobliged with the kindest 
efforts to please ; caprice is teased and provoked by 
the very things which, a few minutes before, had 
been wished for ; ill-nature ferments and turns the 
spirits to acid and to gall. These feelings, like ul- 
cers, destroy the peace of the mind, and keep it in 
a state of habitual and painful irritation; and, to 
the eye of nice and correct moral perception, they 
deform the character, and strip it of all its loveli- 
ness, as certainly as ulcers do the features of the 
countenance. 

Of these passions, it may be observed, that there 
is an affinity between them ; they very naturally 
and almost necessarily generate each other. Pride 
and ambition almost always produce envy and jeal- 



THE INFLUENCE 0E THE BIBLE. 



123 



ousy. The cause of disappointed expectations will 
be construed into insults and injuries ; and thus 
anger, malice, resentment, and revenge will be ex- 
cited. Under the frequent excitement and corrosion 
of these passions, the mind is disposed to discon- 
tent, peevishness, and caprice ; and thus ill-nature 
and harshness of temper become permanent features 
of character. 

The man who cherishes these passions is sure to 
suffer the consequence of his own folly. There is 
in his own bosom an operative cause of vexation 
and torment, from which he cannot escape. He may 
change his circumstances in life ; he may change 
his pursuit ; he may change his friends ; but, until 
his heart is changed, by the grace of God, he must 
and will be an unhappy man. 

While these passions are tormenting the heart in 
w T hich they exist, they are the cause of a nameless 
, train of miseries to mankind. War is one of the 
most dreadful scourges with which the indignation 
of insulted Heaven has ever visited our guilty globe. 
Probably nine-tenths of the wars which have been 
waged have been owing to the pride, ambition, re- 
venge, or lawless cupidity of those called chiefs, 
rulers, or sovereigns of the people whom they were 
permitted to afflict. Calculate the consequences of 
one single conflict. Take your station in that field, 
soon to be stained with the blood of thousands. See 
the two armies advancing to meet each other ; think 
of the art and ingenuity with which their imple- 



124 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



ments have been fitted for the work of slaughter 
and death ; think of the talents and military prowess 
with which all the arrangements have been made. 
View the mingled emotions of apprehensive dread 
and determined courage with which they advance : 
see the countenance at one moment brightening with 
the hope of victory ; the next overcast with a mo- 
mentary pensiveness, from a glance of thought on 
the friends left at home. The signal is given, and 
the work of destruction begins. Blood, and groans, 
and death strike your ear and meet your view on 
every side. The conflict over, suppose yourself the 
messenger of these tidings of sorrow to the friends 
of those whose agonies and death you have wit- 
nessed. Go to the cottage and tell the mother of 
a helpless family that she is a widow, and her chil- 
dren are fatherless ; that you saw the husband whom 
she loved in the agonies of death, and heard him, 
with his last breath, commend her and her orphan 
children to the kind protection of Heaven. Gauge 
the misery of this cottage, and then multiply it by 
all the thousands who are made widows and left fath- 
erless on the same day. Go to the parents, whose 
son, the joy of their heart, and the hopes of their 
declining years, is lifeless on the field; tell them 
that you saw him fall by the hands of a man whom 
he never had injured, and towards whom he cher- 
ished not one unfriendly feeling ; that he died 
trodden under foot by triumphant enemies, without 
one kind office or one cheering word of friendship 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 125 



to soothe his last moments. Witness the depth of 
sorrow into which these parents are plunged, and 
multiply this by all the parents who receive the same 
tidings from this field of blood. Ask yourself, what 
is the cause of all these groans, of these agonies of 
death, of this incalculable amount of grief in the 
heart of surviving friends ? It is to gratify the 
ambition, or some other guilty passion, of one single 
man : this passion is the mainspring which moves 
this machinery of anguish. Had this man possessed 
the mild, the humble, the peaceful spirit of the gos- 
pel, all this misery would have been prevented. 

Would you see a particular case in which these 
remarks are exemplified ? From the smouldering 
ruins of Moscow follow the retreat, or rather flight, 
of the French army ; witness all the complicated 
sufferings which distinguish that flight, and you will 
see them exemplified. To the restless spirit, to the 
insatiable ambition of one man, is all that suffering 
to be ascribed. Had this man been contented with the 
empire of France, of which he was the acknowledged 
sovereign, he might have left it as an inheritance to 
his posterity. But Alexander reigned in the north 
without doing vassalage to him. This preyed upon 
his peace, and rendered his life unhappy. Ambi- 
tion called out his numerous army, guided its march 
to Moscow, and thus gave rise to all the miseries 
which followed, and which, perhaps, have never been 
exceeded, except when the judgment of God fell on 
that devoted city, Jerusalem. 
11 * 



126 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



SECTION III. 

Discontentedness, Peevishness— Pious Affections secure Peace 
of Mind. 

The effects of anger, in disturbing the peace of 
society are well known. During the violence of 
this passion, the operations of reason are suspended, 
or her voice is not heard, and her dictates are dis- 
regarded. The proverb is not without truth, ira 
brevis furor ; under the paroxysm of rage, man be- 
comes a madman, is deprived of his understanding, 
and is impelled by blind and furious passions. 
Those things are often done which no future regret 
can ever repair. Death is frequently the conse- 
quence of this dangerous excitement : and death 
always carries anguish to the heart of surviving 
friends. The guilty homicide, if murderer is thought 
too harsh a term, may, in moments of cool reflec- 
tion, weep bitterly over the result of his own pas- 
sion ; but this sorrow, however deep and sincere, 
will not restore the dead to life, nor heal the bleed- 
ing heart of sorrowing relations, though it may, in 
some measure, disarm them of their resentment. 
During the fit of anger, the restraint of the tongue 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



127 



is lost ; and words, in a torrent, the most bitter and 
the most provoking, are uttered. These often pro- 
duce deadly strife and contention, or fix in- the heart 
deep-rooted animosities and hatred ; feelings which 
the apology, suggested and offered in calmer mo- 
ments, cannot efface ; but which sometimes descend 
as an inheritance from father to son. If malice and 
revenge are less violent, they are not less danger- 
ous to the peace of society. If they do not sus- 
pend the operations of reason, they employ that rea- 
son in devising means for the execution of their 
diabolical purposes. The paroxysms *of anger are 
soon over ; but these remain principles of action 
for days and for years. Anger gives indications 
of the threatening storm, and thus furnishes at least 
a moment for escape or defence ; but these coolly 
deliberate on the means of punishment or death, 
and mature their plan, a part of which is, to con- 
ceal their design till it is ripe for execution, and 
thus leave no time for escape or defence. Malice 
and revenge are prominent features, active and per- 
manent principles in the character of Satan; this 
renders him the more dangerous to us. The man 
who lives under the influence of these passions, not 
only proves, by a strong resemblance, his relation- 
ship to this fallen spirit, but, according to his power, 
is equally dangerous to the peace and happiness of 
mankind. 

A vast amount of human happiness is destroyed 
by discontentedncss, by peevishness, by sourness 



128 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



and harshness of temper. The explosions of anger, 
and the deep and secret designs of malice and re- 
venge, are dreadful ; but these make up what they 
want in violence by the frequency w T ith which they 
recur. There are some who are habitual murmur- 
erSy complainers, who can be pleased with nothing, 
who are dissatisfied w T ith every thing. A failure to 
gratify their whims and their desires, which they 
have not expressed, and which there was no possi- 
bility of knowing, is construed into designed neglect, 
insult, or cruelty. Your mildness, your gentleness, 
and kindness, only irritate their discontented 
spirits ; perhaps, by forcing on their observation, 
from the contrast, the unwelcome picture of their 
own hearts. A mere trifle will furnish employment 
for their querulous tongues, determined never to be 
idle, till something else occurs to take its place. 
Never satisfied themselves, they disturb the peace 
of all around them. One kind look, one mild and 
gentle expression from them would be a phenome- 
non — something out of the ordinary course of things. 
Those w 7 ho are confined within the range of their 
ill-natured and peevish loquacity, have great need 
of meekness, forbearance, and patience ; for the 
grievances which they are doomed to suffer are of 
no small magnitude ; grievances for which wealth 
and splendour can bring no alleviation. One such 
spirit is more than sufficient to keep a whole family 
in constant agitation and disquietude. Better is a 
dinner of herbs where love is> than a stalled ox and 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



129 



hatred therewith. A continual dropping in a very 
rainy day, and a contentious woman, are alike. It 
is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, than 
with a brawling woman in a wide house. It is better 
to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious 
and angry woman. The contentions of a ivife are a 
continual dropping. Whether the proverbs of Solo- 
mon are the result of experience, or of observation, 
or of both, we cannot tell, nor is it material ; for 
the testimony of all ages confirms their truth. In 
every age, the plain simple meal, with kindness and 
love, has been preferred to the sumptuous feast with 
ill-nature, animosities, strife, and hatred. In every 
age, the repose of the solitary wilderness has been 
preferable to the wide house, filled and disturbed in 
every part with the clamorous voice of a peevish, 
discontented, and brawling woman. In every age, 
the quietness of an obscure corner in the house-top 
has been a desirable refuge from the keen and 
ceaseless contentions of a scolding wife. Females 
have the right, and are perfectly justifiable in exer- 
cising this right, of reversing these proverbs, and 
applying them to the male sex. Many a wife is 
suffering, in secret, under the ill-nature, the sulky 
harshness of an unfeeling and tyrannical husband; 
suffering, too, when prudence restrains her from 
pouring her tale of woe into the bosom of the most 
confidential and intimate friend, and thus seeking 
that relief which sympathy affords. Many a hus- 
band seeks to gratify his contentious and cowardly 



130 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



spirit by the keenness of his wit, by the biting and 
reproachful sarcasm, by the sly and invidious hint, 
or by the boisterous torrent of coarse and vulgar 
abuse, directed against the wife of his bosom, whose 
peace and happiness he is bound to promote, and 
whom gentleness and meekness restrain from at- 
tempting to retaliate the injuries she suffers. If 
two such rugged and fiery spirits should be con- 
nected in matrimony, the discord, and strife, and 
misery of the family, whose mornings are ushered 
in with the signal for contention, and whose even- 
ings find that contention unfinished, would give a 
fearful resemblance to that region from which all 
goodness, and gentleness, and meekness, and for- 
bearance are banished ; where every feature of sin 
has reached a dreadful maturity; where they are 
hateful, and hating one another ; where they are 
employed in making each other as miserable as 
possible ; where the wailings of disappointment, 
the groans of anguish and despair, is the music 
which leads on the march of eternal existence. 

Who can look on the world, agitated and afHicted 
as it is with these restless and guilty passions, with- 
out breathing to Heaven an ardent desire for some 
remedy that will restore peace to the mind, relieve 
mankind from the evils which they suffer from this 
source? The Bible is that remedy. No sooner 
does its divine light shine into the understanding — 
no sooner does its sacred truth impress the heart, 
than a change commences, which, in its progress. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



131 



tends to peace and happiness. The proud man be- 
comes humble ; the ambitious man becomes mode- 
rate in his expectations and desires; en vy and jeal- 
ousy wither and die with the root which nourishes 
them; the avaricious man gives up his idol, and 
raises his affections to God ; anger is displaced by 
meekness ; malice, resentment, and revenge, by 
forbearance, the forgiveness of injuries, brotherly 
kindness and charity ; the discontented, ill-natured, 
peevish, murmuring, querulous spirit becomes con- 
tented, mild, gentle, good-natured, and benevolent. 
Destroy these evil passions and tempers, and you 
prevent all the misery and disquietude which they 
produce ; excite, in their stead, these friendly and 
devout affections, and those who cherish them will 
enjoy peace within, become useful members of so- 
ciety, and contribute, in no small degree, to the 
happiness of all with whom they are connected. 

The truth of God has, in itself, a powerful ten- 
dency to produce these effects ; and the Spirit of 
God renders it effectual in the commencement and 
progress of this change. Pride is the offspring of 
ignorance : remove this ignorance, and } t ou remove 
with it the pride to which it gives rise. The know- 
ledge and belief of the truth is the only remedy for 
ignorance. The proudest man on earth would soon 
be humble, if he could see the sinfulness and vile- 
ness of his own heart, as it is represented in the 
word of God. Though he might excel thousands 
of others in talents, in learning, and in wealth, yet 



132 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



under the clear light of truth, he would see that 
these things shrink into nothing, as it regards his 
relation to God, and are no foundation for that ex- 
alted idea of his own importance, which he formerly 
entertained. In the glass of the gospel he will see 
himself possessed of other features of character than 
those which he had been accustomed to contemplate, 
with so much self-gratulation ; features which not 
only expose him to deserved punishment, but also to 
merited shame and disgrace. Viewing his nume- 
rous and criminal deficiencies when tried by the 
laws of God, the only correct and infallible stan- 
dard, he begins to think soberly of himself and not 
more highly than he ought to think. Ambition is 
fed by a false estimate respecting the distinctions 
of this world, of its power, its honour, and its fame. 
So very erroneous are his views, that his chief hap- 
piness consists in obtaining these distinctions. Cor- 
rect this error, and his ambitious spirit assumes 
another aspect. Truth is not only the remedy for 
ignorance, but also the antidote of error. Let him 
learn from the pages of the Bible the real value of 
worldly distinctions ; let him learn from the same 
source the infinite importance of that honour which 
cometh from God, of the approbation of his Almighty 
Judge, and the objects alone on which that appro- 
bation can fix, and his desire for worldly distinc- 
tions will be graduated by the scale of truth ; he 
will labour that whether present or absent, whether 
in this, or in the world of spirits, he maybe accepted 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



133 



of Him whose favour is life. Whatever be the 
origin and component parts of avarice, it is branded 
in Scripture with the guilt and turpitude of idola- 
try ; it is robbing God of those affections which 
are his due, and placing them on objects which do 
not deserve them. Under the influence of truth, 
the avaricious man will feel and acknowledge that 
he is not the independent proprietor, but the re- 
sponsible steward of his possessions. Penetrated 
with this conviction, he will feel his accountability 
for the use he makes of this wealth ; and will value 
it chiefly as the means of doing goodj of relieving 
the wants of the suffering, and of promoting the 
kingdom of Christ. He will see that the love of 
money is the root of all evil; and will set his affec- 
ions on things above, not on things on the earth. 
Anger is most effectually prevented by the con- 
siderations presented to the mind in the gospel. 
It is less deliberative, less manageable than either 
of the preceding passions. Sometimes, indeed, it 
rushes on the mind like an impetuous torrent, and 
hurries it into purposes of revenge, without time 
for a moment's reflection. Generally, however, it 
is progressive, though this progress is very rapid. 
It is excited by a sense of injury either received or 
apprehended. The first excitement spreads its own 
colouring over the provocation, and greatly magni- 
fies the cause of offence. During the paroxysm, all 
thoughts but those suggested by the real or sup- 
posed injury are driven from the mind ; and it is 
12 



134 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



deaf alike to the dictates of its own reason, and to 
the remonstrances of friendship. If you would 
guard the mind from the influence of this painful 
and dangerous excitement, you must carefully guard 
against the very first irritating impression. Strongly 
associate with the sense of injury, those considera- 
tions which have a powerful tendency to counteract 
and prevent the very first feelings of anger and re- 
sentment, and to preserve the mind tranquil and 
composed. In moments of calm reflection, prepare 
the mind, by storing it with these considerations, 
for the moment of provocation, as the moment of 
danger, when this aid will be necessary to preserve 
it in safety; and when, without care and this aid, 
it may be hurried into the most violent excesses. 
Now it is obvious to remark, that this is the very 
method observed, and these the very means em- 
ployed in delivering the mind from the influence of 
anger and all its modifications, malice, resentment, 
and revenge. The deep impressions which the 
gospel makes on the heart, the materials of thought 
with which it supplies the mind, have a powerful 
tendency to check the first risings of anger, and 
thus to preserve that tranquillity which admits of 
useful reflection. The man who sees his own guilt 
in a true light ; who feels himself arraigned before 
the bar of his Almighty Judge, and charged with 
numberless offences of the most provoking and ag- 
gravating nature; who feels in his own conscience 
the justice of that sentence which condemns him ; 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



135 



who, with earnest and humble importunity, prays 
to God that he would pardon his sins, and not 
punish him as he deserves ; this man will- not, with 
these impressions deeply fixed on his heart, with 
these recollections in his mind, turn round and 
seize a fellow-creature by the throat, demanding 
satisfaction for some trifling offence : he will leave 
the presence of his God with a spirit of meekness, 
and some degree of that forgiveness of injuries, on 
which he himself depends for the pardon of his 
guilt. He will thus be prepared to meet the vari- 
ous provocations of life with a calmness of reflec- 
tion, with a shield of meekness, with a spirit of for- 
bearance and forgiveness, which will disarm these 
provocations of their tendency to disturb his peace. 
He will see, from a moment's reflection, that some 
of these injuries are imaginary, and not real ; others 
were not intended ; others, though real, are but slight, 
and cannot affect his happiness by any means as 
much as his own irritation would certainly do; 
others which were intended, and which materially 
affect his happiness, as he hopes to be forgiven of 
God, he will from the heart forgive, and commit 
himself to him who judgeth righteously. That dis- 
contentedness, murmuring, peevishness, &c, which 
destroy so much of the peace and comfort of man- 
kind, are weakened and finally swept away by the 
softening and improving influence of the gospel. 
The man who is discontented with his present con- 
dition, vents his ill nature on the friends who kindlv 



136 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



try to please him, murmurs and frets under the 
slightest inconvenience to which he is subjected, 
will be cured of this unhappy spirit by an impres- 
sive view of his guilt and unworthiness, by per- 
ceiving how little he deserves from the hand of God 
or man; by the conviction that instead of the 
favours with which he is surrounded, and the kind- 
ness bestowed on him, he deserves the reproach and 
neglect of men, and the heavy displeasure of God. 
When the gospel is correctly understood and cor- 
dially received, it improves the heart, and elevates 
the mind above the littleness of these repinings and 
complaints. 

The gospel prohibits, in the strongest terms, the 
exercise of these criminal passions ; and enforces, 
with earnestness, the cultivation of pious, social, and 
devout affection. From a great number of passages 
to this effect, the following are offered: — u Pride 
and arrogance do I hate. Woe to the crown of 
pride. Love not the world, neither the things that 
are in the world. If any man love the world, the 
love of the Father is not in him ; for all that is in 
the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, 
and the pride of life, is not of the Father. Where- 
fore laying aside all malice, and all envies. Let us 
not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one an- 
other, envying one another. Let all bitterness and 
wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking 
be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye 
kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



137 



another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven 
you. Be kindly affectioned one to another, with 
brotherly love. But now ye also put off all these : 
anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communica- 
tion out of your mouth. Put on, therefore, as the 
elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, 
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suf- 
fering ; forbearing one another, and forgiving one 
another, if any man have a quarrel against any ; even 
as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above 
all these things put on charity, which is the bond 
of perfectness. Dearly beloved, avenge not your- 
selves; but rather give place unto wrath. See that 
none render evil for evil unto any man. Be not 
overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 
Charity suffereth long and is kind ; charity envieth 
not ; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, is 
not easily provoked ; beareth all things, believeth 
all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." 
These, and such as these, are the precepts and doc- 
trines, which, being received and obeyed by faith, 
strike their impression on the heart and form the 
moral character. 

The structure of the human mind is a grand dis- 
play of the wisdom of God ; the gospel is also the 
wisdom of God ; the one is. therefore, adapted to 
the other. It has already been stated that our pas- 
sions and affections can be controlled only by our 
perceptions, thoughts, and conclusions. No man 
can awaken in his bosom the passion of anger, as 
12 * 

/ 



138 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



he can move his hand, by a simple act of volition. 
He cannot feel resentment towards an object, which, 
in his apprehension, is perfectly harmless. Some 
degree of injury, either received or expected, is ne- 
cessary to excite this feeling. Fear cannot be 
roused without apprehension of danger. The af- 
fection of love can never be called into exercise but 
by the view of something amiable, the contemplation 
of which will give pleasure, and the possession of 
which will give happiness. To this constitutional 
trait of the human mind, the gospel is wisely adapted. 
While it prohibits the exercise of these sinful 
passions, it pours a flood of light on the object which 
excite them ; it shows these objects in their compa- 
rative littleness, and their insufficiency to afford the 
happiness expected from them ; and thus, by divest- 
ing them of those properties which they were supposed 
to possess, the passions are weakened which they had 
excited. Diminish the cause, and you diminish the 
effect produced by that cause. While it requires 
us to cherish every devout and social affection, it 
presents to our view objects most worthy of these 
affections. If it requires us to love God supremely, 
it exhibits the infinite goodness of God as the ob- 
ject of this love. If it requires us to be thankful, 
it exhibits the unspeakable gift, it confers the un- 
merited favour, as the cause of this thankfulness. 
If it requires* us to hope, it sets before us the atone- 
ment of a divine Saviour's death as the ground of 
this hope. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



139 



God be thanked, says Paul to the Romans, that ye 
have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine 
which was delivered you. Some commentators un- 
derstand him as representing the doctrines of the 
gospel as a mould, into which the mind is cast, and 
from whieh it receives its impressions ; as melted 
metal, poured into a mould, receives all the impres- 
sions of that mould. The more closely the mind 
comes in contact with the gospel, the more deep and 
lasting will be its impressions. The more accurate 
and extensive our knowledge of the gospel becomes, 
and the more cordially we receive and obey it, the 
less will we be conformed to this world, and the more 
will we be transformed by the renewing of our mind ; 
the more will this world be crucified to us, and we 
to the world ; the more will we die unto sin, and 
live unto God ; the more will we be renewed and 
improved in the spirit of our mind. If the gospel 
does not instantaneously, yet it does gradually and 
effectually, detach our affections from this world, and 
raise them to God, to the Saviour, and to things 
spiritual and divine. The farther the Christian ad- 
vances under the guidance and power of the gospel, 
the more peace and happiness does he enjoy in his 
own heart ; the more kind and affectionate does he 
become to his friends, and those who are immediately 
connected with him ; the more useful does he be- 
come to the Church and to the world. 

The Christian has peace in his own bosom. Com- 
pare the man who is proud in spirit, with the man 



140 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



who has put on humbleness of mind, and you cannot 
but see the difference. Pride requires for its nour- 
ishment the incense of adulation continually rising 
from its altar ; with this nourishment it increases, 
and requires still more of this incense for its in- 
dulgence. Denied of this, it corrodes the bosom 
with suspicion, dissatisfaction, and jealousy ; and 
finally turns to pure misanthropy. Its aspect is 
repulsive to all men ; all find a secret delight in wit- 
nessing its mortification, chagrin, and disappointment. 
Humility, on the other hand, evangelical humility, 
is modest and conciliating. Advancing no claims 
for the notice and applause of this world, it is per- 
fectly safe from the disquietude of disappointment 
and chagrin. Wherever it appears it proclaims 
peace within, and good will to men. Seeking and 
valuing chiefly the approbation of God, this can be 
enjoyed in retirement, remote from the strife and 
tumult of the world. With this approbation it in- 
creases : and the more it increases the more inde- 
pendent does it become of the admiration of this 
w T orld. If there is peace on earth, it will be found 
in retirement, in the bosom that is meek and lowly. 

Where shall we find a suitable contrast between 
the spirit of restless ambition, and that moderation, 
respecting the distinctions of this world, which char- 
acterizes every true Christian ? Take Caesar, at 
the moment when he had formed the resolution to 
pass the Rubicon :• — Rather take an example of 
more recent date, over which antiquity has thrown 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



141 



less obscurity ; take the late emperor of France, at 
the moment when the design of invading Russia is 
formed. His calculations are made ; his* diagrams 
are finished ; his generals are named ; his places of 
depot are appointed ; the route of his army is pre- 
scribed ; the first order is issued, and the first step 
is taken in execution of this design. At this mo- 
ment, so eventful in his life, with what conflicting 
passions must not his mind have been agitated and 
torn ? At one moment he anticipates the glory of 
dictating terms of peace to Alexander, in the me- 
tropolis of his own empire ; and then, as the con- 
sequence of this victory, sees, what he had not yet 
seen, England trembling at his triumphant progress; 
and, perhaps, casting his eye across the Atlantic, 
and adorning his brow with a few laurels from this 
country. But although a tide of almost uninter- 
rupted success had attended his movements, yet no 
man knew better than he did the perils and hazards 
of war ; he could not drive from his mind the pos- 
sibility of a reverse ; nor could he well avoid an- 
ticipating some of the consequences of this reverse ; 
the glory already attained might be clouded ; the 
throne on which he is seated might be shaken ; the 
station which he now fills might be lost. Thus, al- 
though not one ray of prophetic light shone on the 
prospect before him, though he could not foresee that 
train of events which are now historical facts, yet 
he could not prevent these tremendous uncertain- 
ties, these painful per-ad ventures, from comming- 



142 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



ling with his more pleasing anticipations, and dis- 
turbing his peace. The blood which is to flow, the 
groans to be uttered, the pangs and tortures of death 
to be felt, the grief and anguish of surviving friends, 
gave him no uneasy sensation : for ambition is deaf 
and blind to these things. With this man contrast 
our beloved Washington, at the moment when he en- 
ters the hall of Congress, with the view of laying 
on their table the commission previously received 
from them. The toils and labours, the perils of war 
are past. His military prowess had been admired, 
even by his enemies ; but this is the moment when 
his character appears in all its dignity, surrounded 
with a glory which Alexander, which Caesar, which 
Bonaparte never attained. The independence of his 
country is acknowledged. There appears in his 
view a rising and expanding empire, the patroness of 
liberty, and the asylum for the distressed and the 
persecuted of all nations. Every feature of his coun- 
tenance tells the noble and generous feelings of his 
heart. The recollection of past scenes, of the com- 
panions who fell by his side, of the sufferings he 
witnessed, awakens a sympathy which imparts a 
softness and tenderness to these manly feelings, and 
renders them still more interesting. Those hopes 
which animated and supported him through the 
hazards of the Revolution, are now realized ; his 
peace of mind is undisturbed ; his joy is pure and 
sublime. Bonaparte was a man of boundless ambi- 
tion : Washington was a man of genuine, of tried 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



143 



patriotism ; and, what is infinitely more, there is 
reason to hope he was a man of sincere piety. The 
design of this contrast is not invidious, but to en- 
force the divine precept ; Let your moderation be 
hioivn to all men. He who cherishes a spirit of 
ambition is sharpening a thorn to pierce his own 
heart. 

The Christian, whose heart is thoroughly reformed, 
" neither envies nor grieves at the good of his neigh- 
bour ;" the excellence and the happiness of others 
no longer subject him to the painful feelings of ma- 
lignity and hatred towards them. Their happiness 
increases his own ; he rejoices with those who do re- 
joice. His benevolence, his Christian charity, lead 
him to desire and pray for the happiness of all men ; 
when his prayer is answered, he is thankful, not en- 
vious. 

How calm and peaceful is the mind, guarded from 
the painful agitations of anger, wrath, malice, re- 
sentment, and revenge, by that meekness, forbear- 
ance, and forgiveness, which are features of every 
Christian character ! The moment of provocation 
is the moment when those affections are required 
and called into exercise, and when they appear in 
their most amiable and attractive light. The greater 
the provocation, the more it would justify, in the 
world's estimation, the feelings of resentment, the 
more glorious is the triumph of the Christian in 
maintaining a sweet serenity and peace of mind. 
The man of wrathful spirit takes the work of ven- 



144 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



geance into his own hands, and, driven by blind and 
furious passion, inflicts the punishment which resent- 
ment suggests. When this excitement has subsided, 
when he reviews, in cooler moments, what is past, 
often will he find that this one rash act will furnish 
reflections more than sufficient to embitter his fu- 
ture life. The Christian, through the exercise of 
meekness and forbearance, prevents the passion from 
rising ; and, in the true spirit of his Master, forgives 
the injury received. Being reviled, he blesses ; be- 
ing defamed, he entreats ; and prays for those who 
despitefully use him. This spirit and this conduct 
will not pursue and torment him, in his moments of 
retirement, with bitter reflections, with painful re- 
gret, with remorse of conscience ; it will spread 
through his soul, and over his life, the blessings of 
peace ; even the peace of God which passeth all un- 
derstanding. 

There are some who, though sufficiently guarded 
against the more violent passions, are yet subject 
to constant uneasiness and disquietude from the 
ordinary occurrences of every day. If all the de- 
tails of domestic arrangements are not performed 
with mathematical exactness; if the furniture is 
not rubbed in a particular way ; if the fuel is not 
laid on the fire according to a precise rule — a rule, 
too, known only to themselves ; if one corner of the 
table-cloth is but an eighth of an inch lower than 
the other, &c. &c, they complain, "they are vexed, 
they are unhappy. Now, for this fretful, dissatis- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



145 



fied temper, the gospel offers a sovereign remedy. 
As the Christian advances in the divine life, he is 
delivered from this troop of little foxes, which spoil 
the vines of their tender grapes ; from that habitual 
impatience with trifles, which, though it does not 
expose him to reproach from the world or censure 
from the church, yet unfits him for devotion, and 
retards his progress in holiness. Not that the 
Christian is less observant, or less attentive to neat- 
ness and order in his arrangements than others, but 
he cannot sacrifice his peace of mind on account of 
such minute irregularities ; he has risen above that 
region in the moral atmosphere where such things 
produce their annoyance. The most effectual way 
to deliver the mind from the vexation of trifling 
cares is to bring it under the influence of those 
which are truly important. These things, compared 
with the more weighty concerns even of this world, 
deserve but little attention ; and in presence of the 
grand objects of eternity, with which the Christian's 
mind is deeply impressed, and from which he de- 
rives his chief happiness, they lose their power to 
annoy. If your friends were aiding your escape 
from a house on fire, you would not complain, pro- 
vided your escape and your safety were secured, 
though they did not observe all the little punctilios 
of politeness in affording that aid. In the absence 
of the sun, the stars are visible ; but no sooner does 
he appear than they shrink from observation, and 
are seen no more. The Christian is doing a great 
13 



146 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



work, he cannot come down to these minute inqui- 
ries; he is running a race for a prize of infinite 
value, he cannot stop to complain of the slight in- 
equalities of the path. 

It is, therefore, a blessing to any man to be turned 
from his iniquity ; to be delivered from those violent 
and sinful passions which fill his bosom with anxiety 
and tumult ; and to have produced in their stead, 
those pious affections, those friendly and social feel- 
ings which bring with them peace and joy to his 
own breast. At the same time, while harmony 
reigns in his own mind, having become a new 
creature, having put on Christ, he is disposed to be 
more kind and affectionate to his friends, and more 
useful to the church, to society, and to the world. 
The transformation of a sinful character into the 
meekness and lowliness of the Saviour's image is a 
two-fold blessing to society. It is turning a source 
of disquietude and misery, into a source of peace 
and happiness ; a fountain of bitter, poisonous, and 
dangerous water, into a salutary, healthful, and re- 
freshing stream; it is changing an enemy into a 
kind and valuable friend. This truth was never 
more clearly nor more forcibly exemplified than in 
the case of Saul of Tarsus. He was one of the 
most fearful enemies the infant church had to 
dread. His very name was a terror to the disci- 
ples ; for he breathed out threatening and slaughter 
against them. Merely to have been delivered from 
such an enemy, would have been a great blessing : 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 147 

but to have this same enemy, with all his mighty 
powers of mind, with all his learning, with all his 
characteristic ardour and zeal, turned into a decided 
and active friend ; into one of the most intrepid 
advocates, one of the most laborious, persevering, 
and successful preachers the church ever had, was 
a blessing still greater, and called for still more 
devout and thankful acknowledgments. It is not 
strange, therefore, that when the disciples heard 
that he was now preaching the faith which once he 
destroyed, that they glorified Crod in him. This, in 
a greater or less degree, is the effect of every in- 
stance of real conversion by the word and the Spirit 
of God. 

Look at the proud man, whose brow is continu- 
ally arched with arrogance, whose step and move- 
ment are indications of the haughty spirit that 
reigns within ; would you expect this man to be a 
tender and affectionate husband, or father, or bro- 
ther ? Would you not rather expect that in the 
bosom of his family, removed from the restraint of 
public observation, that he will be distant, unfeel- 
ing, and morose ; impatient, if his wants are not at- 
tended to before they are known ; expecting every 
member of his family to gratify his wishes without 
the satisfaction of knowing that he w T as pleased 
with their attention? Would you expect him. to 
perform those offices of kindness, little, indeed, 
when separately considered, but returning so fre- 
quently as to make up a large amount of domestic 



148 



TILE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE, 



happiness? Would you expect to see him seeking 
out the poor, the suffering, and distressed, and min- 
istering to their comfort and relief? No: the in- 
congruity of his spirit to these offices of kindness, 
utterly forbids the expectation. To perform these 
offices ; to occupy this province of usefulness, you 
naturally look to the man who is clothed with 
humility. You as naturally expect that this lowli- 
ness of mind is associated with that benevolence 
and meekness, with that gentleness and charity 
which are features of the same character ; and that 
the man possessing this spirit will sweeten the 
scenes of domestic life w T ith his good will, his kind- 
ness, and condescension, and that he will take plea- 
sure in searching out and relieving the poor and 
the afflicted, as you expect the proud man to be a 
petty, unfeeling tyrant at home, and to leave the 
poor and distressed in their unpitied suffering. 
Think of all the relations of life and of society ; of 
father, of husband, of brother, of friend, of neigh- 
bour, of teacher, of magistrate, of legislator, of 
judge, of chief ruler ; and is it not more than proba- 
ble, that if in other respects they are equal, in 
talents, in learning, in wealth, every human being, 
capable of perceiving the difference, would prefer 
the man of sincere humility to the proud man in 
either of these relations ? 

Would you see the difference exemplified, as it 
regards the happiness of mankind, between the 
spirit of ambition, and those desires for worldly 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



149 



distinctions which are graduated by the scale of 
truth ? Permit us, for this purpose, again to bring 
before you, those two men, of all others the most 
distinguished on the theatre of modern times — Bo- 
naparte and Washington. There is reason to be- 
lieve that Bonaparte, when he commenced his pub- 
lic career, had no intention of reaching the throne 
of France. All that he then hoped to attain, in all 
probability, was the reputation of an accomplished 
general. But, as he advanced, success fed and 
increased his ambition, till at length.it prompted 
him to seize the sceptre, which he perceived was 
held by a feeble and unsteady hand. Reaching 
this elevated theatre, his ambition receives a new 
and powerful impulse from beholding the new rivals 
and competitors, with whom he is surrounded, in 
the neighbouring sovereigns of Europe. These 
must be equalled, then excelled, and then humbled. 
The generals who were once his rivals are now his 
subordinate agents. His fame and his dominion 
are now to be extended. For this purpose the lives 
of hundreds and thousands were sacrificed. He 
alleged, it is true, other reasons for his measures ; 
his professed object was to give freedom to Europe; 
but the millions who were subjugated to his power 
felt the iron hand of despotism. The world and 
posterity will testify that the incalculable miseries 
which marked his progress were chiefly if not solely 
to gratify his boundless ambition. Washington 
was called, by the voice of his country, to one of 

13 * 



150 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



the most difficult, arduous, and important stations 
to which it was possible for that country to call 
him. After spending successive years of toil and 
privation and peril in that station, he neither asked 
nor would receive the smallest compensation for his 
services. He was instrumental in obtaining for his 
country the blessings of civil and religious liberty; 
the invaluable inheritance of every American : and 
may kind Providence secure this inheritance to our 
posterity till the last moment of time ! This ob- 
ject being accomplished, he leaves the public thea- 
tre on which he had acted so conspicuous a part, 
and returns to his beloved retirement, there to enjoy 
the only reward which his heart desired, the bless- 
ings of peace with his fellow-citizens. Which of 
these was the most useful to mankind ? The one 
convulsed all Europe, and filled whole empires with 
tumult, with desolation, with mourning, with sor- 
row, with death : the other, at the call of his country 
cheerfully shared in the fatigues and the hazards 
of war ; and in connection with his illustrious com- 
panions, in the senate and in the field, procured for 
his beloved country independence and freedom- 
blessings which we to this hour enjoy. The differ- 
ence is too striking to escape observation, and the 
conclusion too obvious to admit the least doubt. 



THE INFLUENCE OP THE BIBLE. 



151 



SECTION IV. 

Meekness, Forbearance, Kindness, &c., promote Human 
Happiness. 

We speak of the man who is a Christian, not 
merely by assuming the name, and making the pro- 
fession, but who is such in reality ; whose charac- 
ter is forming by the word and Spirit of God, to 
greater and greater degrees of resemblance to the 
character of Christ. Surround this man with the 
provocations and trials which excite the anger, resent- 
ment, impatience, fretfulness, &c, of others; and 
we maintain that he will contribute to the peace 
and happiness of society in a much greater degree, 
in consequence of possessing this character, than 
others in similar circumstances would do. What is 
the most plausible reason assigned for resenting an 
insult and avenging an injury? It is to prevent a 
repetition of the offence. If you tamely submit, it 
is alleged, you draw on yourself the reproach of 
cowardice ; you invite aggression by declaring that 
you may be insulted with impunity. Show your- 
self a man of spirit ; resent the injuries you re- 
ceive, and they will not be repeated. This is the 



152 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



way, this is the language, and this is the spirit of 
the world. The Bible teaches a different method, 
holds a different language, and infuses into the 
Christian a different spirit. The question is, which 
of them is most conducive to the happiness of man. 
Has cowardice a more natural connection with meek- 
ness, forbearance, and the forgiveness of injuries 
than it has with those passions which inflict these 
injuries? If courage be, as some suppose it, in 
part at least, a natural quality, or constitutional 
trait of character, then, the want of is not crimi- 
nal, any more than the want of bodily strength. 
Has the Christian no other way of manifesting his 
magnanimity than by the indulgence of anger, 
malice, and resentment, and by inflicting punishment 
on those who displease him ? Does it not display 
more true courage and fortitude to subdue these 
turbulent passions, and maintain meekness and 
tranquillity of mind, under those provocations, which, 
in the opinion of the world, will justify resentment 
and revenge ? Is it not a much more decisive proof 
of pusillanimity and cowardice to insult a man when 
it is known that he, by his religious principle, is re- 
strained from resistance, than it is, from the heart 
to forgive the insult ? It is the mark of a mean, 
pitiful soul to vent its wrath on the unresisting ; but 
it is a noble achievement, a mark of real fortitude, 
to conquer those passions which would prompt to 
retaliation. In the opinion of the world, it is much 
more difficult to exercise forbearance, and to forgive 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



153 



an injury, than it is to indulge resentment and to 
seek revenge. According to this opinion there is 
more magnanimity displayed in forgiving an injury, 
than in revenging it. He that is slow to anger, is 
letter than the mighty ; and he that ruleth his spirit, 
than he that taketh a city. We recommend on this 
subject, an excellent sermon of Dr. Witherspoon on 
Christian JIagn an im ity. 

But let us suppose that you act on the principles 
of the world ; when you are reviled, that you revile 
again ; when you are abused, that you return the 
abuse with interest ; when threatened, with a louder 
and more angry tone you threaten in return ; with 
a spirit corresponding with your words, you curse 
those who curse you ; that to the utmost of your 
power you exert yourself to overcome evil with evil, 
to injure those who injure you, whether it be in 
character, in property, or in person. Now, it is 
possible, that your language, in this terrible conflict 
may be so much more abusive, reproachful, bitter, 
and wounding to the feelings, than that of your an- 
tagonist ; and that your resentment and your 
strength maybe so much greater than his, that you 
inflict a greater injury on him than he can on you ; 
that he may be induced, from the principle of mere 
selfishness, to desist, and not to attack you again. 
But unless you surpass him in your reviling, your 
threatening, your cursing, your rage, and the pun- 
ishment you inflict, this purpose will not be an- 
swered; he will be juot as likely to return on you 



154 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



again, as he will on any other person ; and indeed 
more so : for he will be more gratified with his tri- 
umph over one who makes some resistance, than 
over one who makes none ; this will be a more de- 
cisive proof of his superiority in those qualities on 
account of which he values himself. Unless there- 
fore, you can make him afraid of your abuse, your 
resentment, and your power, you do not secure your 
safety from future insults. And if you should ex- 
cite his fear, and thus secure your own safety, you 
leave him with all his malevolence to attack others 
who may not possess your talents for reviling and 
for injury. Your resentment has not the slightest 
tendency to extinguish his passions, but rather to 
increase them. He will, therefore, most probably 
seek to gratify that revenge which your opposition 
has excited on those who cannot make the same 
resistance. 

Besides ; the very first anger that flashes from 
your eye, the first resentful w r ord you utter, will in- 
crease his anger, and his language will be more 
provoking ; this will increase, and justify your re- 
sentment on the same principle on which the first 
feeling of this nature is justified. As coals are to 
burning coals, and wood to fire ; so is a contentious 
wan to kindle strife. Grievous words stir up anger. 
A wrathful man stirreth up strife. One word 
brings on another ; and each one more bitter, more 
provoking than the preceding. Thus passion in- 
creases, till two rational beings are turned into per- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



155 



feet furies. Behold, hoiv great a matter a little fire 
Jcindleth ! How small was the beginning of this 
tremendous conflict of angry and revengeful pas- 
sions ! And is it possible this is the way, and this 
the spirit best calculated to promote the happiness 
of man ? Is it possible that a Christian, under any 
circumstances, can act this part, and cherish these 
feelings ? As soon might we suppose that the in- 
nocent dove should dart on its prey with all the 
unfeeling rapine of the eagle or the hawk ; that the 
meek and harmless lamb should roam through the 
forest with the rage and fierceness of the hungry 
lion or the tiger. 

Let us suppose, then, that you possess the Chris- 
tian character ; and that you are conscientiously 
governed by the principles of the Bible. You will 
then folloiv peace with all men. If it be possible, 
as much as lieth in you, you will live peaceably with 
all men ; you will follow after the things which make 
for peace ; you will so bridle the tongue as not to 
offend in word. You will not, with expressions, in- 
deed, of regret, but with secret pleasure, take up 
and circulate a reproach against your neighbour, 
merely because you can give the author from whom 
you received it. No person who undertakes the 
fruitless task of tracing back to its author, some 
vague, though scandalous report, will find you a 
link in the chain, along which it has been commu- 
nicated. You will be no tale-bearer: you will not 
cherish that censorious spirit which would lead you 



156 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



to back-bitings, whisperings, against those, whom 
decency and a regard to public opinion restrain you 
from defaming more openly. No secret ill-will, 
envy, or jealousy, will permit you to be gratified in 
hearing from others that calumny and detraction of 
your neighbour's character, which motives of selfish 
policy prevent you from uttering yourself. Your 
piety will be of that sound, scriptural character 
which will give no just cause of offence to any hu- 
man being. Your zeal will be guarded by prudence, 
by that wisdom that cometh down from above. Your 
private devotion will be without any thing, intended 
and understood by others, as a signal to give infor- 
mation of its performance. When called to act 
before others, you will not display that vain osten- 
tation which is gratified with public observation. If 
you give reproof, it will not be with that harsh and 
unfeeling language, better calculated to irritate than 
to soften and reform ; but with that mildness and 
gentleness which will give weight and even keen- 
ness to the reproof. If you give advice on any 
subject, it will not be with a dogmatizing, dictating 
spirit, but with that kindness and affection which 
will be calculated to gain admittance to the heart, 
and to persuade. Cherishing this spirit, and pur- 
suing this deportment, those who might be disposed 
to calumniate or injure you, shall not find any occa- 
sion against you, except, like Daniel, they find it 
against you concerning the law of your G-od. Your 
example may reproach and condemn those who are 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



determined to live in sin ; your reproof, however, 
wisely and tenderly given, may irritate those who 
will not reform. To silence, if possible, the voice 
of an accusing conscience, and to justify their per- 
severance in sin, they may say all manner of evil 
against you ; they may revile you for righteousness' 
sake ; but they cannot, in our highly favoured 
country, persecute you on account of religion ; that 
is. as we understand it, they cannot prosecute you 
at the civil law. But however pious and friendly 
may be your disposition, however harmless may be 
your life, we will not affirm that you will not, on 
other accounts than religion, meet with trials, and 
provocation, and injuries from the sinful passions 
of men. We do think, however, that such a life 
will secure you, in a great measure, from these trials 
and provocations. In many cases, he who is con- 
sidered the aggressor, has some cause for his an- 
ger ; we do not mean a justifiable one ; for nothing 
can justify these criminal passions ; but some un- 
guarded word or action, which might have been 
avoided, without sacrificing one religious feeling, 
or violating one obligation : something which dis- 
turbs and irritates a mind uninfluenced by the prin- 
ciples of the gospel. God may permit these trials 
to surround you, for the purpose of calling into ex- 
ercise, and strengthening, some of the most amiable 
virtues of the Christian character. It is only under 
provocation, that meekness and forbearance can be 
exercised ; only when an injury is received, that 
14 

s 



158 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



the spirit of forgiveness can exert its heavenly in- 
fluence. Such are the views which the Bible gives 
on this subject. My brethren, says the Apostle 
James, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temp- 
tations : and again ; blessed is the man that endureth 
temptation. The word temptation includes the trials 
to which we refer. They are divers, that they may 
furnish occasion for the exercise of every principle 
of the Christian character ; they are to be endured; 
that is, their tendency to excite any degree of 
criminal passion, or to lead from the path of duty, 
must be resisted and overcome by those very prin- 
ciples, which they are intended to call into exercise 
and strengthen. When the presence of suffering is 
felt, then, patience is to have her perfect work ; when 
provocation is offered, then, meekness and forbear- 
ance are called for ; when an injury is received, 
then, forgiveness is to be exercised. It is a cause 
of blessedness and joy, when these trials, without 
leading to sin, are the means of advancing towards 
perfection these pious and amiable dispositions of 
the heart. It is in connection with this very sub- 
ject, that the apostle gives those wise and salutary 
exhortations. — Let every man be slow to speak, slow 
to wrath. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness 
arid superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with 
meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save 
your souls. In the midst of these revilings, and 
calumnies, and injuries, from a wicked world, you 
will have this very great advantage : the conscious- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 159 



ness of innocence for your support. With confi- 
dence you can commit yourself to Him who judgeth 
righteously, and feel the assurance that in his sight, 
you are not culpable. You need not adopt the fi- 
nesse of displaying your anger and resentment, 
as proof that you are unjustly assailed ; for this, at 
best, is but equivocal proof of the fact. When pro- 
vocation is given, honestly obey the principles of 
the Bible, be a doer of the word ; and we maintain, 
that you will not only preserve the peace of your 
own mind, but you will very much contribute to the 
happiness of society. We maintain this point on 
the authority of the Bible itself ; and, if we mistake 
not, it is confirmed by experience and observation. 
We have never known an instance, in which the 
precepts of the Bible were faithfully exemplified, 
that was not followed by the happiest consequences. 
All those contentions, which often leave animosities 
seated in the hearts of two numerous parties, and 
not unfrequently lead to blood and to murder, com- 
mence with but a slight degree of anger, which, if 
proper measures were pursued, would be quite man- 
ageable. Words are generally the first indication 
of the rising passion within, with these the first on- 
set is made. Then is the very time to try the 
utility and power of the precepts of the Bible, and 
test the truth of its declarations. A soft answer 
turneth away iv rath, is one of these declarations. If 
you have done wrong, have given any cause of of- 
fence, make a suitable apology ; and if your aggres- 



160 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



sor be a man of generous spirit, this will satisfy him. 
If you are conscious of innocence, shielded with 
meekness, forbear to use language intended or cal- 
culated to irritate and provoke ; let your reply be 
mild and conciliating. No fuel being furnished to 
the flame, it will most probably subside. Perceiv- 
ing no signs of anger or resentment, he will pause, 
his thoughts will take a different direction, and his 
wrath will be turned away. If, however, it should 
be otherwise, if his own words should increase his 
anger ; if, having uttered one provoking word, he 
should think another still more abusive necessary 
to justify the first ; if he should exhaust the whole 
vocabulary of vituperation and cursing ; and if he 
still meets with nothing but mildness, he will see 
that he is wasting his wrath for no purpose ; he will 
be disappointed in perceiving that you are not irri- 
tated, that you do not feel his attack, will see that 
he is exposing himself, and shame will suppress his 
resentment. A soft tongue breaJceth the bone. This 
will be making a fair experiment on the principles 
of the Bible ; and we venture to affirm, that every 
experiment of this kind will prove the powerful 
tendency of these principles to preserve the peace 
and promote the happiness of society. This anger, 
in the very commencement, will most probably be 
suppressed by your mildness ; but if, without resist- 
ance from you, it should rage on till it exhausts it- 
self, he will much sooner feel disposed to be recon- 
ciled to vou ; and if his nature does not bear the 



THE INFLUENCE OE THE BIBLE. 161 



stamp of the most extreme baseness, such will be 
his feelings of disappointment and shame, that he 
will be less likely to attack you a second time, than 
if you had felt and manifested a spirit of resent- 
ment. 

Again: If thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he 
thirst, give him drink ; for in so doing thou shcdt 
heap coals of fire on his head : Be not overcome of 
evil, but overcome evil ivith good. This implies more 
than mere forbearance and mildness ; it requires 
the exercise of benevolence, doing good to him who 
has injured, or who intends to injure you. Love 
your enemies — The love of complacency you cannot 
cherish towards any man whose character, in your 
opinion, is not worthy of it ; but the love of bene- 
volence you can, and ought to feel towards all men, 
even your bitterest enemy. If he is in distress or 
affliction, comfort and relieve him, and cheerfully 
embrace every opportunity of doing him good ; not 
merely once or twice, but as often as the opportu- 
nity may offer. This active benevolence, this per- 
severing kindness, will subdue his opposition, will 
soften his heart, and awaken friendly feelings to- 
wards you. Though he should not acknowledge it, 
yet, if you can make him feel that you have done 
him good, conscious that he does not deserve it, 
this very feeling will destroy his enmity, as cer- 
tainly as metal will melt in the midst of burning 
coals. Until this feeling is produced in the heart 
of your enemy, the object is not accomplished; 
14 * 

s 



162 THE INFLUENCE OE THE BIBLE. 

hence you must not grow weary in well doing ; in 
the midst of discouragements you must persevere in 
kindness. It is not sufficient merely to cast the 
metal into the fire — the degree of heat, and the 
length of time, must be sufficient to answer the 
purpose. One kind of metal will melt with a less 
degree of heat, and in a shorter time than another. 
If your kindness fails to soften your enemy and 
change him into a friend, it is for want of persever- 
ance, or for want of catching the occasion most 
favourable to success. There are different degrees 
of enmity ; one degree will be overcome by that 
kindness which will produce but little effect on 
another. Some hearts are more easily touched with 
kindness than others. Under certain circumstances, 
and after a certain train of thought, your enemy 
may spurn your kindness ; but let the circum- 
stances in which he is placed and the state of his 
mind be different, and the effect will be different. 
Therefore, do not despair ; in due season you shall 
reap, if you faint not. You shall, sooner or later, 
see your enemy overcome by your goodness, changed 
into a friend, and willing to acknowledge your 
kindness. If the metal does not melt in a given 
time, let it remain still longer ; if one degree of 
heat is insufficient, increase that degree, and the 
purpose will be answered. Overcome evil with 
good : this exhortation surely does not require you 
to do what is impossible, but what is practicable by 
persevering in the use of those means calculated to 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



163 



answer the purpose. If seven instances of kindness 
are not successful, you are not to doubt the truth 
of the gospel, and give up the task as entirely hope- 
less : you are to try the force of seventy times seven ; 
each instance rendered with more cordiality, if 
possible, than the preceding. Cherish the firm con- 
viction that in due time the purpose will be accom- 
plished, that the Lord shall reward you with suc- 
cess ; your enemy will, at length, feel and acknow- 
ledge that you have done him good ; and it is under 
the influence of this feeling that his enmity begins 
to melt, and that friendly dispositions towards you 
arise in his heart. Thus you will gain a brother, 
perhaps, save a soul from death, and prevent a 
multitude of sins, preserve peace and harmony when 
discord and strife would have taken place, and 
probably have been transmitted to future genera- 
tions. 

You are not to allege, as an excuse for your 
neglect or want of perseverance, that the duty is 
difficult. You are not to sit in judgment on the 
wisdom and propriety of the divine precepts, cast 
off the authority of your moral governor, and as- 
sume the right of prescribing for yourself that 
service which he ought to accept. If you claim 
this right, you must grant it to others, and thus it 
will be made to cover the neglect of every duty. 
You may allege that it is difficult to forgive and do 
good to an enemy who has injured you; that it is 
much easier to resent and retaliate. Another may 



164 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

allege with equal truth, that prayer, with the spirit 
and with the understanding, is very difficult to him ; 
another, that the proper observance of the Sabbath 
is extremely irksome to him : will this be a suffi- 
cient excuse for the neglect of these important du- 
ties ? No more in either of these cases than it will 
in your own. Would you extend the same right to 
the citizens of the state ? Your neighbour is indo- 
lent, he cannot labour, to beg he is ashamed, he 
finds it difficult to be honest and to abstain from 
stealing your property. Will you excuse him on 
this ground ? If not, excuse not yourself by the 
same reason for neglecting a duty on which the 
peace and happiness of society so much depend. 
In the case of your neighbour, this excuse would 
be the confession of his own guilt, and proof that 
he was not a good citizen. So will it be in your 
own case : a confession that your faith in the word 
of God is weak, and that you possess but little of 
the spirit of your divine Saviour, whom you pro- 
fess to love, and whose example you have publicly 
and solemnly pledged yourself to imitate. If you 
possessed more of that meekness, forbearance, and 
kindness which characterized the Saviour, this diffi- 
culty would not be so great. Nor are you to al- 
lege that your aggressor has done wrong, and 
therefore deserves punishment. This is admitted ; 
but at whose hands does he deserve it : will you 
assume the right of inflicting punishment when it is 
deserved ? This is the prerogative which God most 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 165 

explicitly claims to himself: Vengeance is mine, I 
will repay, saith the Lord. When you undertake 
to avenge yourself, surely you cannot reflect on all 
the consequences. The wilful transgression of his 
law is bold and impious rebellion against him ; by 
what name shall we call it, then, to arrogate and 
presume to exercise one of the sacred and awful 
perfections of God ? Besides, you not only teach 
God, but you do virtually pray to him that he 
would treat you as you do those who offend or 
injure you. Every degree of anger and resentment 
which you feel — every provoking word you utter — 
every effort you make to injure your adversary, is 
an appeal to God that he would visit you; not 
with the pardon of sin, according to his tender 
mercy, but in justice, according to the guilt of your 
offences against him. It is from the assurance that 
God will execute justice that your duty is inferred 
— I will repay ; therefore, if thine enemy hunger, 
feed him, Sfc. If the Sovereign Judge had not 
pledged himself to do justice, this duty would not 
be so forcibly and so clearly enjoined. This pledge 
from God takes away from you the plea that your 
enemy deserves punishment. The world, indeed, 
will justify your resentment and your retaliation; 
but the world is ignorant of the principles by 
which, as a Christian, you are governed. The 
world knoweth ns not. The spirit and principles 
of the Christian character are foolishness to the 
natural man ; neither can he know them, because 



166 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

they are spiritually discerned. He that is spiritual 
discerneth all things, yet he himself is discerned of 
no man. You are not to be conformed to this world 
in its spirit, its principles, or its practice. You 
are not to reject the declarations of the Bible as if 
their truth and their tendency were doubtful, and 
in their place adopt the maxims and spirit of an 
ignorant and wicked world. You are to cherish 
the spirit and imitate the example of Christ, who 
prayed for the pardon of those enemies who nailed 
him to the cross. 

There is a collateral view of the subject which 
enforces this duty and confirms the hope that your 
kindness will transform your enemy into a friend ; 
it is the method of the gospel in bringing sinners to 
God ; they are softened, and subdued, and changed 
by kindness. Every human being, by nature, feels 
towards God an enmity which is deep-rooted, ac- 
tive, and persevering. This opposition never has 
been and never will be subdued by any degree of 
terror which sinners can be made to feel. It is 
melted away by the influence of sovereign grace ; 
and especially by that astonishing instance of un- 
merited goodness and infinite mercy, the pardon 
of sin. The very moment the hope of pardon is 
cherished, that moment this enmity dies, to revive 
no more as a dominant principle in the heart, and 
love to God ascends the throne in its place. Ene- 
mies are changed into friends, not by the terrors 
of the law, nor by the sword of justice, but by the 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



167 



loving-kindness displayed through the cross of 
Christ. Now if we were not creatures and bound 
to obey our Sovereign, if we really desired to be 
most useful to mankind, we would most successfully 
adopt that method which the wisdom of God has 
devised, and which he employs in converting sin- 
ners to himself, in transforming determined enemies 
into sincere and cordial friends. If God, who is 
better acquainted with the nature of men than w r e 
are, has appointed this method, and uniformly 
employs the instrumentality of kindness in chang- 
ing his enemies into friends, we may confidently 
hope for success on the same plan, and by the same 
means. 

Why, it may be asked, do we not see and feel 
more of the blessed and happy effects of these prin- 
ciples of the Christian religion ? One reason is, 
there are thousands who profess to be Christians, 
who are not such in reality : they are, in fact, gov- 
erned by the principles of the world. They have a 
name that they live, but are dead ; they have the 
form of godliness, but feel not its renovating power. 
They do not bridle the tongue from backbiting, from 
slander, from malicious censure and reproach, and 
therefore their religion is vain ; they do not possess 
the spirit of Christ, which is a spirit of meekness, 
forbearance, forgiveness, and charity ; but, especi- 
ally when provoked, they manifest a spirit of anger, 
hatred, malice, and revenge ; therefore, we are as- 
sured they are none of his. 



168 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



It is most unreasonable to look for the effects of 
a principle where that principle does not exist. Bo 
men gather grapes of thorns , or figs of thistles P 
No more are we to expect the happy effects of the 
Bible from those, who, whatever they may profess, 
are governed by enmity of heart against the spirit- 
uality, the purity, and authority of that holy book. 
There is another reason, which cannot be mentioned 
without shame and sorrow ; that is, the criminal de- 
ficiencies and the negligence of Christians. They 
sometimes feel a want of entire confidence in the 
truth of the divine declarations regarding this sub- 
ject ; they hesitate whether it would not be better 
to take the work of vengeance into their own hands. 
God has promised, indeed, that he will repay ; but 
whether he will do it at the time, and in the man- 
ner, and to that degree, which they conceive he 
ought, is rather doubtful ; and although they have 
his solemn promise that he will do justice in the 
case, yet a secret fear, which they would not profess, 
and which they would willingly conceal from their 
own view, lest he should fail, prompts them to un- 
dertake it themselves. Hence, although they are 
Christians, yet through unbelief lurking in the heart, 
they do not exemplify their own principles, which 
are set aside in the present case, and the spirit and 
principles of the world, as better calculated to an- 
swer the purpose, are adopted. In this state of 
mind, they feel and reason and act as men of the 
world would do in similar circumstances. There is 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



169 



sometimes a distrust respecting the success of their 
forbearance and kindness in disarming an enemy 
of his hostile feelings, and awakening in his bosom 
those of a friendly character. Thev will allege 
that his disposition is too harsh and unfeeling, his 
resentment too implacable, and his hatred too inve- 
terate to be softened by their kindness. Thus the 
motive which should urge them forward in persever- 
ing: efforts is weakened through this secret unbelief, 
and the case is given up as hopeless. If the hus- 
bandman should suffer his mind to be disquieted with 
doubts and fears respecting the success of his la- 
bours, and therefore decline these labours alto- 
gether, his doubts and his conduct would be con- 
sidered both unreasonable and criminal ; not less 
so are Christians, who, through groundless fears, 
neglect these pious and benevolent exertions. The 
mere possibility that their efforts may fail, is not an 
excuse for their declining to make them : they are 
faithfully to discharge their duty, and leave the 
event to Grod who giveth the increase. Christians 
are chargeable with criminal neglect, in not keeping 
the heart with all diligence, at the moment when 
provocation is offered. It is not their intention to 
suffer any violent anger to agitate their bosom ; 
but before they are aware, some unhallowed feeling 
is excited, under the influence of which they speak, 
nr»t the language of meekness and conciliation, but 
unguardedly. This provokes their aggressor still 
more; and they are imperceptibly led to a degree 
15 



170 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



of passion, which, instead of recommending, brings 
a reproach on their profession, and, in moments of 
cool reflection, becomes to themselves a source of 
bitter regret. Good will it be for them, if this re- 
gret shall make them more watchful in future ; bet- 
ter far, however, had it been, if by watchfulness 
and prayer they had prevented the cause of this re- 
proach and this regret. All this, however, admitted, 
it does not in the least affect our position ; that the 
Bible has a direct and powerful tendency, by reform- 
ing the heart, to promote the happiness of man ; 
and we do strenuously contend that in all cases this 
will be the result of its operation. We repeat, that 
when its principles do not operate, we cannot expect 
to see their effects. Let Christians guard against 
the shadow of doubt or distrust respecting the de- 
clarations, and cheerfully obey the precepts relating 
to the duties now under consideration ; by watch- 
fulness and prayer, especially when provocation is 
offered, let them prevent the slightest degree of an- 
ger ; and they will remove this cause of sorrow and 
reproach, and support this conclusion by testimony 
which may bid defiance even to scepticism itself. 

Experiment is the best, indeed, the only way to 
try the tendency of any system or principle ; that 
is, to view it in full and complete operation ; and 
we contend that so far as the experiment has been 
made, on the principles of the Bible, the result does 
triumphantly support our conclusion. Let the ex- 
periment be more general, and this proof will be 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 171 

more abundant and more undeniable. The voice 
of inspiration, if we are not mistaken in its mean- 
ing, justifies the firm belief, that this earth shall not 
meet its final doom ; that these heavens shall not be 
rolled together as a scroll, or pass away with a 
great noise, till an experiment shall be made on a 
more general scale than has ever yet been witnessed ; 
from which, proof in support of the point for which 
we contend will be furnished, not less convincing 
than that derived from mathematical demonstration. 
Cast forward the eye of faith and hope to that state 
of the church and of the world, when the sublime 
and glowing figures of prophetic vision shall be veri- 
fied ; when the life-giving power of the gospel shall 
destroy the wicked and turbulent passions of men, 
and awaken in the heart supreme, sincere, and ardent 
love to God and man ; when war and bloodshed will 
no longer desolate the earth ; when anger, malice, 
and resentment shall no longer corrode the breast, 
nor disturb the harmony of neighbours, of friends, 
of brethren ; when peace and happiness shall bless 
this poor, miserable, and sinful world in a degree 
which has never been experienced since Adam was 
driven out of Paradise. The prophet, after shadow- 
ing forth the joyous harmony of that day by the 
most significant emblems of peace, closes the ac- 
count with this summary declaration ; They shall 
not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain ; and 
then, not leaving us to mere conjecture on the sub- 
ject, points out the cause of all J&his blessedness : 



172 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the 
Lord, as the waters cover the sea. The waters of 
the ocean touch and cover every inch which is below 
the level of their surface ; in like manner, at that 
time, will every neighbourhood and every family be 
touched and influenced by the Bible. All the mis- 
eries under which the world is now groaning, and 
from which it will then be relieved; all the peace 
and happiness which shall then prevail, will be the 
powerful and genuine effect of the gospel. That 
gospel is the same now that it will be then. Not 
another doctrine, not another precept, not another 
promise or invitation will be added, as the means 
of producing these glorious and happy effects. The 
very doctrines, precepts, and promises with which 
we are favoured, will be effectual for this purpose. 
The proof derived from an experiment yet to be 
made, provided we know with certainty the result of 
the experiment, is the same with that furnished by 
an experiment actually made. Immutable truth, then 
declares what will be the result of this grand ex- 
periment ; that it will fill the earth with friendship, 
and harmony, and peace, and joy. The effects of 
the gospel, at that day, and those which it is now, 
and ever has been producing, differ only in degree, 
not in kind : of course, it follows, that in propor- 
tion to the degree of power which it exerts on the 
heart and on the conduct of men, it is now, and 
ever has been, producing the very same effects; and 
that the world is now so much the less miserable 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



173 



and so much the more happy in exact proportion to 
its saving and transforming power. Diminish this 
power, and you increase the sufferings of this life ; 
increase this power, and you increase the happiness 
of man. 

15* 



174 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



SECTION V. 

The Gospel furnishes Support in Affliction — Influence of Faith, 
Hope, and Love. 

After all the happy effects which the gospel is 
calculated to produce, and is actually producing, 
there will be numberless afflictions from which the 
Christian cannot escape ; it remains, then, to point 
out the strong consolation, the powerful support, 
which the Bible furnishes to him, under the pressure 
of these sufferings. To mention these afflictions in 
detail is unnecessary, if it were practicable. The 
Christian is as liable to epidemical diseases, to 
losses and disappointments in his property as others 
are. At least, he is liable to them in some degree ; 
though we are inclined to believe, not quite as much 
as others ; for we think it probable that a life of 
intemperance and debauchery will predispose the 
system to disease, more than sobriety and temper- 
ance; and that industry, economy, and prudence 
will guard, in some measure, against those losses and 
disappointments. He is liable to suffer through his 
friends ; and the valley and shadow of death is be- 
fore him, which he cannot escape. Besides all these, 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



175 



he meets with trials which are peculiar to the Chris- 
tian, from the prevalence of sin and temptation in 
the world. In the midst of all these sufferings the 
gospel brings him consolation and support which no 
impenitent sinner can receive. He is not indebted 
to a mere effort of his imagination for this support, 
— it arises from the character which he possesses, 
from the relation he sustains to God and the 
Saviour, from his faith, his hope, and the devout 
affections of his heart. These are the means em- 
ployed by the Father of mercies in bearing up his 
people in the midst of their sufferings. Divest the 
Christian of this character, dissolve this relation, 
extinguish these affections, and you cut him off 
from the source of his comfort, and leave him weak 
and disconsolate as other men. 

View the Christian in the midst of his sufferings, 
and mark the fortitude with which he endures the 
most exquisite pain, and the patience and meek 
submission with which he resigns himself to the will 
of his heavenly Father. His support is not the 
sullen, rebellious insensibility of the stoic ; he feels 
and acknowledges the pain which he suffers. He is 
not so absurd as to deny the difference between 
pleasure and pain ; nor so impious as to deny that 
the hand of God can afflict him. Under every kind 
and degree of suffering his faith brings him real and 
substantial support. This, from the constitution of 
the human mind, and from the nature of this faith, 
will be the result of its exercise. If, during the 



176 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

pressure of affliction, the mind dwells chiefly on the 
pain and distress which are felt ; on the pleasures 
which he once enjoyed, and of which he is now de- 
prived ; on the freedom from pain and the peaceful 
enjoyment of others ; and above all, if he can see 
no good purpose to be answered by his sufferings, 
the mind will become dispirited and faint, and the 
pressure of affliction will become heavier and less 
tolerable ; every recollection of the past, every view 
of present circumstances and future prospects, in- 
creases the gloom and despondency under which he 
is sinking. The Christian is not left comfortless in 
his affliction. His faith furnishes him with materi- 
als of thought so deeply interesting and so pleasing 
as to draw off his attention from the present afflic- 
tion, and fix it chiefly on objects which prevent 
despondency, and strengthen, animate, cheer, and 
support the mind. He believes most firmly that 
his afflictions, heavy and complicated as they may 
be, come not forth of the dust, neither doth his trou- 
ble spring out of the ground ; that his afflictions are 
not the result of accident or of chance, but sent by 
his heavenly Father to work for his good ; that the 
time, the degree, and all other circumstances relat- 
ing to them, are determined and regulated by infinite 
wisdom and goodness ; that they are intended to 
deliver him from the power of remaining sin, de- 
tach him more effectually from this world, which is 
delusive, ensnaring and dangerous ; to increase his 
confidence in God, and render more precious to his 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



177 



heart the Saviour, and that gospel which exhibits 
the Saviour; to increase his holiness, _ and thus 
qualify him in a greater degree for the joy of his 
Lord, for the inheritance of the saints in light. 
While, therefore, he believes that these afflictions 
are working out for him a far more exceeding and 
eternal eight of glory than he should ever attain 
without them, he does not faint when rebuked of 
his Father. Xor does he exhibit that sullen sub- 
mission arising from mere necessity, because he can 
neither escape nor remove his afflictions ; but re- 
signing himself cheerfully and voluntarily to the 
will of his God who, he believes, does not afflict 
wUUngly. His patience preserves him from mur- 
muring, repining, and fretfulness ; and he prefers 
his affliction to any other state, not that it is for the 
present joyous, but grievous; but because it flows 
from the love and affection of his Friend in heaven, 
and on account of its tendency to improve his moral 
character, and thus to fit him for higher degrees 
of glory and greater measures of happiness during 
his eternal existence. He feels, in some degree, 
the Spirit, and may use the language of his Saviour : 
my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from 
me! nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou icilt. 
my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me 9 
except I drink it, thy ivill be done. 

This is the only way in which the mind can be 
supported under suffering, or comforted under sor- 
row ; that is, by drawing off the thoughts, as much 



178 THE INFLUENCE OE THE BIBLE. 

as possible, from the pain which is felt, and fixing 
them strongly on other objects, which make such 
impressions on the mind as enable it to bear its 
sufferings with fortitude. This is the theory ac- 
cording to which the Christian's faith comforts and 
supports him in the hour of distress. I had fainted, 
said the Psalmist, unless I had believed to see the 
goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 
Hence, the exhortation which he offers is the result 
of his own experience: Wait on the Lord: be of 
good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart : 
wait, I say, on the Lord. When Paul, after the 
fatigues of a perilous voyage, saw the brethren 
come from Rome to meet him, he thanked God, and 
took courage. The sight, and friendly gratulation 
of these brethren, furnished a new and pleasing 
train of thought ; these thoughts gave a new spring 
to his mind, and prepared him with fortitude to 
bear the present and meet the future trials of his 
life. 

There is a principle belonging to the human 
mind, called the principle of association. One 
event, or one object, brings to our recollection and 
to our thoughts another, with which it is in some 
way or other connected. It was on this principle, 
that the presence of these brethren reanimated the 
apostle's mind with fresh courage. Their presence 
awoke in his mind a flow of thought, which made 
him forget the perils of his past life, and enabled 
him to meet, with unyielding firmness, the trials 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



179 



which awaited him in future. Here are the disci- 
ples of that Saviour in whose cause he was engaged, 
to whom he was under infinite obligations, for whom 
he had suffered much, and was willing to suffer the 
loss of all things ; here are those who will sympa- 
thize with him, and pray for him, and comfort him ; 
here are the fruits of that gospel of which he was 
not ashamed, and which he was ready to preach at 
Rome also. Faith would naturally carry his 
thoughts away from this world, and elevate them 
to heaven, to dwell on all that is cheering and in- 
vigorating there ; on his Intercessor and Advocate 
With the Father ; on the multitudes already re- 
deemed from this earth, and now surrounding the 
throne of God ; on that crown of glory, which the 
Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give him at the 
last day. With those thoughts his soul grew ivarm, 
as the word (tharsos) signifies. Thus he was com- 
forted together with them, by the mutual faith both 
of them and him. According to the same principle, 
when he came into Macedonia, he was pressed with 
troubles from every side ; without, Were fightings, 
within, were fears : nevertheless, God, he observes, 
who comforteth those who are cast down, comforted 
us by the coming of Titus. On this principle it is, 
that faith supports the Christian. Affliction is 
strongly associated in his mind with other subjects, 
which of course it brings to his recollection and his 
thoughts. He is reminded of his sins, on account 
of which it is sent, and from which it is intended to 



180 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



deliver him. The goodness of God, who directs 
this affliction for this important purpose, is brought 
with pleasure and with invigorating power to his 
thoughts. The sufferings of the present state forci- 
bly impress upon his mind the insufficiency of this 
world, as a portion for the soul, and remind him of 
that better country, of that rest which remains for 
the people of God, and increase his desire to depart 
and be with Christ which is far better. Yet this 
desire is united with the spirit of meek submission, 
which enables him to say : all the days of my ap- 
pointed time will I wait till my change come. 

Hope is another ground of support, and source 
of consolation to the Christian, under all the trials 
and distresses of this life. This is not a simple af- 
fection, but seems to be compounded of desire and 
expectation. Desire implies that there is something 
in its object, the possession of which will contribute 
to our happiness ; expectation implies that there 
are reasons for believing that we shall possess this 
object. The object of hope is always future ; it 
will, of course, continually carry the mind away 
from all that is past, and all that is present, to 
something still before us. This object will, there- 
fore, give the most pleasing, the most animating 
employment to our thoughts. It is the nature of 
all affections, to bring their objects frequently to 
our thoughts. If the object of these affections be 
good, then this employment of our thoughts will be 
pleasing and delightful. Now, the object of hope 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 181 



is always something good ; for it is an object of 
desire. The frequency, the interest, and the plea- 
sure, with which it will occupy the mind, will be in 
proportion to the degree of happiness expected from 
its possession. If that view of the object which 
excites our desire be erroneous, if we suppose it to 
possess qualities, which it really does not ; or if 
those reasons which support our expectation be 
fallacious and groundless; then, sooner or later, 
our hope, however pleasing it may have been, must 
end in the bitterness of disappointment. But if 
our views of the object be true, if it really possesses 
the qualities which we suppose it does ; and if the 
reasons on which our expectation is founded be 
substantial ; then, our hope will be joy and gladness ; 
the possession of this object, and the increase of 
our happiness, are certain. Such is the nature of 
hope in general, whether its object be temporal or 
eternal, whether it belongs to this world or to the 
world of spirits. 

Now, it is obvious, that all that is interesting in 
this analysis is embraced in the Christian's hope. 
God himself, with all his infinite perfections, is the 
object of this hope. The Lord tvill be the hope of 
Israel: Blessed is the man whose hope the Lord is. 
Christ, the divine Redeemer, is the object of it: 
The Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope. All 
that is expressed by the terms eternal life, is em- 
braced by this hope : in hope of eternal life which 
God hath promised. All, therefore, that is majes- 
16 



182 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



tic, and sublime, and venerable, and gracious, and 
merciful, and lovely in the Triune Jehovah ; all 
that is joyful, and glorious, and eternal in the hap- 
piness of heaven, is included in the object of this 
hope. That view of these objects, or that know- 
ledge which excites the Christian's desire, cannot 
be erroneous ; for it is the truth of God himself. 
Those reasons on which his expectation is founded 
cannot deceive him ; for they are the declarations, 
the promises of immutable veracity ; together with 
that degree of holiness, or fitness for the enjoyment 
of these objects, which he has already acquired. 
These are the reasons which he is ready to give for 
the hope that is in him. This hope, from its very 
nature, has a powerful tendency to promote this 
holiness, to increase this fitness, and thus to 
strengthen the foundation on which it is built. For 
every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth him- 
self, even as he, who is the object of it, is pure. 
This shows the connection which hope has with 
faith; a connection similar to that of the effect 
with the cause, or the germ and the stalk with the 
seed and the root. The true character of God, and 
the nature of heaven are made known in his word ; 
it is therefore the knowledge and belief of this word 
which excite that desire which is an essential part 
of hope. This same truth sanctifies the heart, and 
contains the promises which support expectation ; 
the other essential part of hope. Hence faith is 
the substance of things hoped for, because it is, the 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



183 



evidence of things not seen. He that would blast 
this hope, must divest Jehovah of his character ; 
he that would shake its foundation, must shake the 
truth of heaven itself. The Christian, therefore, 
cannot have faith without hope, nor hope without 
faith. If he has the support of faith, he has also 
the rejoicing of hojie. 

This hope is, at all times, and under all circum- 
stances, interesting to the Christian. When sur- 
rounded by the smiles of worldly prosperity, these 
smiles are rendered more cheering by the presence 
of this hope. But wdien the sun of prosperity is 
clouded from his view ; when trials perplex him ; 
when distress invades him ; when the weight of af- 
fliction presses heavily upon him ; when every rivu- 
let of earthly comfort is drying up ; then is this 
hope peculiarly interesting ; then does he realize 
the truth of the remark that " hope is the balm of 
life ;" then is this hope as an anchor to the soul, 
both sure and steadfast, because it enter eth into that 
within the vail; or, " because fixed into the place 
within the vail ; that is, into heaven, whither he 
shall be drawn, by this anchor, as ships are drawn 
to the place where their anchors are fixed." From 
the dark gloom with which he is surrounded not 
one cheering ray of light breaks on his mind. His 
present circumstances, viewed only in the light 
which this world can shed on them, suggest none 
but ideas calculated to depress and overwhelm the 
mind. The light of faith strengthens and animates 



184 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



him, by showing the connection between these 
afflictions and his own salvation, and the loving- 
kindness and goodness of his Father. Hope pours 
her cordial into his bosom, and revives his spirit 
with the light of life. Hope at all times leads the 
mind away from the past and the present to things 
that are future ; and never does the mind stretch 
forward with more intense eagerness than from those 
scenes where all is dark and comfortless, and dis- 
couraging. The objects of hope are always pleas- 
ing and welcome to the thoughts ; never more so 
than now, when every thought from the world is 
afflictive and dispiriting. His body remains on 
earth, exposed to suffering ; but his thoughts are 
employed about the objects of hope ; and the more 
he thinks of them, the more desirable and the more 
consoling do they become. The foundation of this 
hope is considered, its firmness is tried ; and the 
more closely it is examined, the more solid and im- 
moveable does it appear. While his thoughts are 
thus employed, his soul is warmed and invigorated 
with a glow of pious and devout feeling, which, 
though it may not remove, yet lightens the pressure 
of affliction. The inconveniences of life, the suffer- 
ings and pains of the body afflict and depress the 
mind just in proportion as they fix the attention 
and employ the thoughts ; just in proportion, 
therefore, as other objects of a pleasing nature 
occupy the attention, they will bring comfort and 
support to the mind. How strong, then, is the 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



185 



consolation which hope brings to the Christian un- 
der all the nameless evils and sufferings of this life ! 
Xo suffering can draw his thoughts away from 
spiritual objects ; of these he will think, on account 
of these sufferings, with more intense application, 
and derive from them more consolation and sup- 
port. He is, therefore, saved by hope ; saved from 
murmuring, impatience, and despondency. With 
all the full assurance of hope he anticipates the 
last hour of his conflict and his sufferings, and his 
entrance into the joy of his Lord. Compared with 
this joy, his are light afflictions ; compared with its 
eternal duration, they endure but for a moment. 
The hope which brightens the darkest scenes with 
the cheering light of heaven, which animates and 
supports him through the trials of life, and enables 
him to triumph in the hour of death, must be a 

GOOD HOPE. 

Love is another affection, from which the human 
mind derives no little enjoyment. It is called into 
exercise by the view of something good, the posses- 
sion of which would contribute to our happiness. It 
also presents its object to our thoughts with a fre- 
quency and a pleasing interest in proportion to the 
amiable qualities by which it is excited, and the de- 
gree of happiness expected from possession. From 
the frequency with which its object engages our 
thoughts, this affection exerts a transforming in- 
fluence on the mind. This is especially the case when 
its objects are of our own species. This affection 
16 * 



186 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

inclines us to construe their whole deportment in 
the most favourable light. It renders us blind to 
their defects and their blemishes, and generally sug- 
gests an excuse for their faults. It magnifies their 
virtues, and very much enhances the value of the 
favours they confer on us. Their presence, their 
conversation, imparts to the mind a pleasing elasti- 
city, and awakens an exhilarating glow of feeling 
which is one of the purest earthly joys. When they 
are absent, past interviews are called up with the 
fondest recollection, and future meetings are anti- 
cipated with all the joyous ardour of hope. We find 
a pleasure in acting according to their desires, and 
are ready, with cheerfulness, to make any sacrifice 
of our own convenience or comfort to promote their 
happiness. We are delighted to hear their praise 
from others, and the slightest reproach on their 
character gives us pain. We are disposed to adopt 
their sentiments, and imitate their examples ; and 
thus we are very much under their influence, and 
our happiness and respectability are, in no small de- 
gree, placed in their power. If those whom we love 
are truly virtuous and worthy, our affection for 
them will raise us in the estimation of the good and 
the wise, and contribute very much to our happiness 
in life. But if they are unworthy and vicious, our 
affections will sink us with them to misery and dis- 
grace. Such are the effects of love ; and it is bet- 
ter defined by its effects than by any other method. 
When this affection is directed to God and the 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



187 



Saviour, its tendency to contribute to our happi- 
ness and especially to support us under affliction, 
must be obvious to every one. It is excited by a 
view of the moral perfections of the divine charac- 
ter ; and the more accurate and the more extensive 
our views of these perfections are, the more ardent, 
sincere, and delightful will this affection be. These 
perfections are displayed in the works of creation 
and providence, but chiefly in the cross of Christ, 
and in the salvation of sinners. Hence we see the 
connection of this love with faith, by which we be- 
hold these glories revealed in the gospel. The mo- 
ment we are united to Christ by faith, that moment 
w r e have such a view of the infinite goodness and 
mercy of God as kindles this devout and heavenly 
affection in our hearts. As our faith increases, 
our love will increase with it. We love him, be- 
cause he first loved as ; and this is the manifestation 
of his love towards us, that he sent his only begotten 
Son into the world, that we might live through him. 

Consider the direct and powerful effect which 
this love will have in supporting and comforting the 
Christian under all the losses and disappointments 
and sorrows of this life. Is he disappointed in his 
expectations, and deprived of worldly enjoyments? 
Love will interpret these dispensations of provi- 
dence as blessings, because they are part of the 
designs and works of God. Is he perplexed and 
annoyed with temptations ? This is to try his faith, 
and prove the sincerity of bis attachment to the 



188 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

Saviour and his cross. Is he brought down by 
sickness ? This, though for the present not joyous, 
but grievous, is understood as an evidence of fa- 
therly kindness and attention ; for whom the Lord 
loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son tvhom 
he receiveth. Is he called to weep at the grave of 
his pious friends ? They are taken away from the 
evil to come; they are with Christ, which is far bet- 
ter than to remain here. Is he at length called to 
enter the valley and shadow of death f He will 
fear no evil ; for that God and Saviour whom he 
loves will be with him ; it is the termination of his 
conflicts and his sorrows ; to die is gain. Every 
duty is sweetened ; every gloomy, desponding 
thought is met and repelled ; every difficulty and 
trial is surmounted ; every affliction is lightened, 
and even welcomed ; and death itself is stripped of 
all its terror, and changed into an angel of mercy, 
by love. This heaven-born affection cheers and 
supports him through every scene of life, dispels 
the darkness from the tomb, and sheds its brightest 
and mildest splendours over all the realities of 
eternity. 

Such is the support and consolation which the 
Bible affords the Christian, under those afflictions 
from which he cannot escape ; and such is the man- 
ner in which this support is derived, and in which 
the mind is sustained and comforted. Hope and 
love are excited by objects most worthy of these 
affections, and most powerfully calculated to call 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 189 



them forth. These affections fill the mind with a 
cheerful glow of approbation of the character of 
God, and the dispensations of his providence, under 
which these sufferings occur. Hope and love, to* 
gether with that faith from which they spring, and 
with which they are inseparably connected, are the 
means by which a gracious God preserves his peo- 
ple from despair, fills them with comfort, and not un. 
frequently renders them exceeding joyful in all their 
tribulation. 

Numerous facts, derived from the history of the 
human mind, might be adduced to confirm and illus- 
trate this theory. This is the method adopted by 
the captive Indian, who knows nothing of Christ or 
of his gospel, when bound to the stake, and doomed 
to expire under all the protracted tortures which the 
ingenuity of his enemies can inflict. He cannot 
render himself insensible ; when the flesh and the 
sinews are torn by inches from the bone, he must 
feel the most exquisite pain. He does not leave 
his mind entirely vacant, to resist his sufferings by 
simple efforts of volition ; but by a strong effort of 
thought, he remembers the heroism and renown of 
his ancestors, and feels that it now depends on him 
to maintain and transmit to posterity the invincible 
firmness and characteristic bravery of his nation, 
and particularly of his own family. These are the 
thoughts which fortify his mind ; and these are the 
reasons, on account of which, he defies his enemies, 
mocks their imbecility, suffers and dies without 



190 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



gratifying them with a single complaint or a single 
groan. 

When the general of an army observes his sol- 
diers advancing with trembling and hesitating steps, 
dispirited and timid, without the animating influence 
of hope, influenced by secret apprehensions of the 
result, shrinking from the contest ; he adopts this 
method to cheer their spirits and invigorate their 
minds with courage. In his harangue, if he cannot 
deny the facts, and disprove the reports which have 
chilled their minds, he labours to divert their 
thoughts, as much as possible, from these discourag- 
ing topics, and fix them on objects pleasing and 
animating in their nature. His knowledge of the 
human mind will be displayed by the fitness and 
tendency of his remarks, to answer this special pur- 
pose. If he can gain the direction of their thoughts, 
he will succeed ; he will inspire them with the 
cheering hope of victory, and with courage and re- 
solution for the contest. But if he cannot gain 
this direction ; if he cannot break the association 
of their thoughts, with the gloomy subjects which 
intimidate and depress their spirits, his effort is 
vain, his labour is lost. Prudence will suggest to 
him the policy of declining the contest with soldiers 
already vanquished in their own apprehension. 

This is the true theory of persuasion, and shows 
the powerful and astonishing effects of eloquence on 
the mind. To persuade, is to present considerations 
calculated to secure the performance of a particular 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



191 



act, or the pursuit of a certain course of conduct. 
Passions are the great motives to action-; these can 
be excited, only by fixing the thoughts on objects 
calculated to produce this effect. Persuasion im- 
plies that there is more or less aversion to the action 
or the course proposed ; this, again, implies an as- 
sociation of thought with objects which feed this 
aversion. This association is to be dissolved, and 
this aversion is to be overcome. Other objects are 
to be presented to the mind, which will give such a 
direction to the thoughts, and awaken such passions 
as accord with the ultimate design. This task will 
try the power, and skill, and art of the orator. 
With this view, he will delight the fancy with the 
beauty of his images, and the brilliancy of the dress 
in which he clothes his ideas. He will impart to 
the most trite and common subjects all the charms 
of novelty ; and interest his hearers by his action, 
by the expression of his countenance, and by the 
modulation of his voice. He will prepossess his 
hearers in his favour, by modesty and tenderness, 
or astonish them with boldness and energy, just as 
the progress of feeling seems to require. If he gives 
pleasure and delight, it is not because this is his 
ultimate object, but that he may dissolve those as- 
sociations of thought, and efface those feelings which 
are unfriendly to his purpose ; that he may open 
an easy and direct access to the understanding, and 
gain a complete control over the thoughts. This 
accomplished, his point is gained ; he can then 



192 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



touch those chords of the heart which will vibrate 
in perfect unison with his design. 

If you wish to comfort a friend in distress, this 
is the method you adopt. You present the cause 
of grief in some new light, or introduce subjects 
which have but little connection with this cause, in 
order to divert the thoughts into a different chan- 
nel. If you can succeed in this attempt, your pur- 
pose will, in some degree, be answered, your friend, 
by this diversion of thought, will be relieved from 
the pressure of his sorrow ; but if not, you leave 
your friend as you found him, with mournful plea- 
sure brooding on those subjects which feed his 
grief, and waste the vigour of his mind. No case, 
calling for the kind offices of your friendship, re- 
quires a more accurate knowledge of the human 
mind, and the manner in which it is influenced, 
than this. You can easily admonish your friend 
not to grieve ; but you might as well admonish the 
wind not to blow, or the waves of the ocean not to 
roll, unless you furnish the mind with some antidote 
to sorrow. The propriety of your remarks will de- 
pend on your knowledge of the thoughts and feel- 
ings of your friend ; without this knowledge, your 
attempt may not only be useless, but even injurious ; 
it may increase the distress which it was intended 
to assuage. Guided, however, by this knowledge, 
if the mind of your friend will admit of comfort, 
you may leave him with the pleasing reflection, that 
you have been instrumental in dispelling the gloom 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



193 



from his thoughts, and lightening the burden of his 
heart. 

Such is the method according to which the Lord 
is pleased to comfort and support his people. The 
subject is thus divested of that mystery, with which, 
in the view even of some Christians, it is too often 
surrounded. They seem to possess a vague idea 
that divine power will support them, independently 
of the exercise of their own minds. This opinion 
is as unscriptural as it is unphilosophical. They 
might as well expect that the preserver of men, would 
support the body without daily bread, as that be 
will support the mind in distress, without the exer- 
cise of faith, and hope, and love, and other devout 
affections of the heart. Divine power, employed in 
this way. and for this purpose, would be miracu- 
lous ; as was the power which preserved the three 
children in the fiery furnace. If there is a single 
passage of scripture, which seems to justify this 
opinion, it is because that passage is not correctly 
understood, or is perverted. My grace is sufficient 
for thee, is a precious promise, which has borne up, 
as it did Paul, many a Christian through scenes of 
the deepest affliction, and enabled him to take plea- 
sure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in 
persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake. Now, 
if any should content themselves with a vogue im- 
pression that grace is a distinct perfection or attri- 
bute of the divine character ; and that this supposed 
perfection will be exerted in some mysterious and 
17 



194 THE INFLUENCE OP THE BIBLE. 



miraculous way for their support, they will, through 
their ignorance of the promise, deprive themselves 
of all the consolation which it was intended to af- 
ford. But if by grace they understand unmerited 
favour, they will receive the truth, that God will 
support them, will measure his kindness to them, 
not according to what they deserve for their sins, 
but according to his own good pleasure and sovereign 
mercy. Faith, and hope, and love, are the work 
and the gift of God. If he supports and comforts 
the Christian by means of the exercises of his own 
mind, it is as certainly his work, and his favour, as 
if the same effects were produced by immediate and 
direct agency. No man, therefore, let his profession 
be what it may, let the exercise of his mind be what 
it may, who is not a sound Bible Christian, can en- 
joy that support and consolation which God bestows 
on his chosen people ; and no man, who is such a 
Christian, can, in proportion to his faith, be without 
this support. If Christians would read and study 
the Bible with more frequency, and with more pray- 
erful attention, their knowledge would be more 
extensive, and more accurate; their faith would be 
stronger, and more practical ; their hope would be 
firmer ; their love would be more ardent and sin- 
cere ; their life would be more useful to the church, 
and to the world; their support under afflictions 
would be more abundant; and their joy and their 
glory, throughout their eternal existence, would be 
greater. 



4 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



195 



SECTION VI. 

The Religion of the Bible, the true Happiness of Man. 

The most accurate analysis of human happiness 
will confirm the truth of the Bible ; and particularly 
of this declaration ; godliness is profitable unto all 
things, having promise of the life that now is, and 
of that which is to come. This happiness is not sim- 
ple in its nature, but very complex ; depending on 
a variety of circumstances, and derived from a great 
variety of sources. Pleasure is either animal, or 
intellectual, or moral, or spiritual. These are dis- 
tinct sources of enjoyment, which rise above each 
other in importance and refinement, in the order in 
which they are here stated. Of these, animal plea- 
sures are the lowest ; these we enjoy in common 
with the brutes. They arise from the conveni- 
ences of life, and from the gratification of those pro- 
pensities and appetites which are peculiar to animal 
nature. Intellectual pleasure is derived from the 
exercise and improvement of the mind in the acqui- 
sition of knowledge, in the cultivation of arts and 
science. Here man leaves the level of the brutes, 
and is elevated to a sphere of enjoyment to which 



196 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



they can never rise. Moral pleasure is derived 
from the exercise of the moral virtues: truth, 
justice, honesty, &c. ; and from the social affec- 
tions : benevolence, sympathy, friendship, gene- 
rosity, &c. ; and from those affections which grow 
out of the conjugal, parental, filial, and fraternal 
relations. Spiritual pleasure arises from the know- 
ledge and belief of the Bible ; and from those pious 
affections which the Bible, through the agency of 
the Holy Spirit, excites in the heart : meekness, 
humility, love, hope, gratitude, &c. This last is 
peculiar to the Christian. The others, animal, in- 
tellectual, and moral, may be enjoyed by those who 
never do, and never can taste those joys which are 
purely evangelical and spiritual. The Christian 
has free access to those three subordinate sources of 
pleasure, from which the men of the world derive 
the whole amount of their happiness ; while at the 
same time, he has access to another source of enjoy- 
ment better than either of these, suited to the na- 
ture of man, less liable to be interrupted, and more 
refined, from which they are cut off by their unbe- 
lief. It is not, however, doing justice to the Chris- 
tian to represent him as merely on an equality with 
the men of the world respecting the pleasure de- 
rived from these inferior sources : the point we con- 
ceive, is capable, not of mathematical demonstra- 
tion, indeed, but of illustration and proof, satisfac- 
tory to every candid mind, that he enjoys a greater 
degree of happiness from these sources than other 



I 



THE INFLUENCE 01 THE BIBLE. 197 

men do, or than lie would do if he did not possess 
the Christian character. The truth of this posi- 
tion, as it relates to animal pleasure, will, no doubt, 
appear the most questionable. On this subject a 
few remarks will, therefore, be offered. 

We must suppose the Christian, in all other re- 
spects, to be equal to those with whom he is com- 
pared ; he is to possess the same wealth with them, 
or they are to be surrounded with the same indi- 
gence and want with him ; they are to enjoy the 
same degree of health, or suffer the same affliction. 
Besides, in speaking of human happiness, our view 
must not be confined to a single day, or an hour ; 
but the whole period of life must be included. Tem- 
porary pain is often endured for the sake of future 
and lasting good ; and temporary pleasure is often 
productive of long protracted pain. Those tempo- 
rary pains which prolong the period of life, increase, 
of course, the amount of happiness ; and those plea- 
sures which shorten this period, of course, diminish 
this amount. It must be remembered also that re- 
ligion does not change the natural appetites, be- 
longing to man. Because the Christian loves and 
obeys God, his taste is not, therefore, blunted or 
destroyed. He will, of course, derive as much 
pleasure from this source as they can. He is per- 
mitted to enjoy all the good things of this world, 
within the bounds of moderation; which bounds are 
laid down in the Bible. All beyond these limits is 
inconsistent with happiness, and is therefore pro- 
13 * 



198 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

hibited. On this part of the subject, we refer to 
remarks already offered respecting intemperance, 
which is, in the enjoyment of sensual pleasure, the 
transgression of these bounds. There are, however, 
not a few men of the world who are temperate in all 
these pleasures : has the Christian any advantage 
over these ? 

If you should receive from a highly respected 
and beloved friend, something, suppose of no great 
value in itself, but as the evidence and pledge of 
your mutual friendship, and as the memorial of his 
affection for you ; would not this circumstance very 
much enhance its value, in your estimation ? Would 
not the possession and enjoyment of this article 
give you much greater pleasure than if you had ac- 
cidentally found it, or even obtained it by your exer- 
tions ? If obtained by your own exertions, its in- 
trinsic value would have been precisely the same ; 
but the pleasure you derive from it is not propor- 
tioned to this abstract value, but chiefly to that 
friendship and affection, of which it is the evidence 
and the memorial. Now this, in a degree, however, 
much more interesting, is the circumstance under 
which the Christian enjoys the blessings of this 
world. He feels and he acknowledges that he is 
a sinner ; and of course that he does not deserve 
these blessings. He acknowledges also that they 
are unmerited favours, bestowed on him by his 
heavenly Father. He receives them as evidences 
of the love, the mercy, the forbearance, the com- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



199 



passion of Gocl towards him. They remind him 
of this love and this mercy ; hence they" awaken his 
gratitude and love to God, the giver of every good 
and 'perfect gift. He does not receive them as ac- 
cidentally thrown in his way, or as the result of his 
own exertions ; though these exertions may have 
been used for this purpose ; but as sent to him, on 
the tide of Providence according to the special de- 
sign of infinite wisdom. The daily bread which 
nourishes him ; the clothing which protects him ; 
that health, which is the basis of all earthly hap- 
piness, will be enjoyed, not merely with that plea- 
sure which arises from the gratification of appetite, 
but with a zest of delightful feeling, with a glow 
of gratitude and love, called forth by the reception 
of these blessings. " This bread," he will say, " is 
a gift from my heavenly Father ; is a proof that he 
still loves me, the evidence that, unworthy as I am, 
he still loves me." He cannot, therefore, receive 
it as a mere animal gratification, but with the ad- 
ditional pleasure which this circumstance imparts 
to it. Now, although it is a fact, that these favours 
are bestowed on the men of the world, by the same 
kind Providence, yet they do not acknowledge the 
fact ; they receive the gift, but forget the benefac- 
tor. To their own exertions, and to the operation 
of second causes, they refer their enjoyments ; of 
course, there is no object of gratitude and love pre- 
sented to their mind ; their thoughts are led no 
farther than to themselves, and to the agency of 



200 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 

natural causes : nothing meets their view calculated 
to excite these affections ; the whole amount, there- 
fore, of pleasure which they can taste, is sensual, 
derived from the gratification of appetite ; the plea- 
sure of the mere animal man. This the Christian 
enjoys in a degree equal with them ; and has, in 
addition to this, the refined pleasure derived from 
a devout and grateful heart. Hence the declara- 
tion of the apostle : every creature of Grod is good, 
and nothing to be refused, emphatically GOOD, if it 
be received with thanksgiving. 

Remarks already offered, and to which we refer, 
are intended to show that the Christian enjoys a 
greater degree of intellectual pleasure than others. 
We also refer to some of the preceding observations 
as proof that he enjoys a greater degree than others, 
of that pleasure which we call moral, to distinguish 
it from that which is pious and spiritual. All the 
moral virtues, and all the friendly and social affec- 
tions, are required of the Christian, by motives much 
more forcible than those which operate on the minds 
of men who are alienated from God. 

In this investigation, the medical effects of our 
passions and affections are too obvious and too im- 
portant to be omitted. 

Physicians of the present day generally ascribe 
the primary changes produced by the passions, to 
their influence upon the nervous power or grand 
principle of vitality, by which animated bodies are 
rendered susceptible of an infinite variety of im- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



201 



pressions. In consequence of this influence, either 
the system in general, or some particular organ, is 
made to deviate from the exercise of those functions 
on which health depends ; or is restored to its pris- 
tine office, after such deviations have taken place. 
Some of these passions, such as anger, wrath, re- 
sentment, &c, produce their effect by exciting to 
some excess through the power of their stimulus ; 
others, such as fear, sorrow, &c, by inducing a tem- 
porary torpor and depression, disturb the animal 
functions ; in the one case, by driving- them into ir- 
regular haste by violent irritation ; in the other, 
from their opposite effects, by causing them to move 
too slowly. These irregularities cannot fail to ren- 
der the system more liable to disease, and have a 
tendency to shorten the period of life. Other af- 
fections, such as love, hope, gratitude, benevolence, 
&c, impart to the mind a cheerful though placid 
state of feeling, 'which produce a pleasing and salu- 
tary flow of the animal spirits, which has a tendency 
to preserve the health and prolong the life. It is 
worthy of remark, that those passions which have 
the most pernicious effect on our corporeal system, 
are those most frequently and clearly prohibited in 
scripture ; and those which we are required to cherish 
are those which have the most salutary influence 
on human life, and, of course, on human happiness. 

But although these effects are perceivable in a 
state of health, they are much more so in a state 
of sickness and debility : On this subject, that 



202 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



eminent physician, the late Dr. Rush, has given a 
proof of his wisdom, and accurate knowledge of the 
salutary or dangerous effect which the feelings and 
operations of the mind will have on the body. All 
who have read his Essays will remember the " Eagle's 
Nest." When the system is enervated, and especi- 
ally when apprehensions of death are increasing, 
physicians, aware of the effect resulting from the 
least agitation or excitement, endeavour to keep 
the patient as quiet as possible ; and this reason is 
sometimes alleged for discouraging religious exer- 
cises. If the patient has previously been accus- 
tomed to the devout exercise of the heart, this 
caution is unnecessary ; such exercises will not in- 
jure him, but will most probably have a cheering 
effect on his spirits, and a salutary effect on the state 
of his health ; if he has neglected the one thing 
needful, and has lived without Grod in the world, 
then by what means is he to be quieted? Can he 
suspend the exercise of thought ? If not, can he 
confine his thoughts exclusively to the present, to 
the pain which he feels, the feebleness which pros- 
trates him, the mournful sympathy of his friends ? 
Can he be secured from all recollections of the past, 
and from all anticipations of the future ? Can he 
quietly, and without fear, think of his past life ; of 
the privileges he has neglected, of the mercies he 
has abused, of the number and aggravated nature 
of the sins he has committed against God, of that 
eternity into which he is about to be launched, of 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 203 

that judge in whose presence he is about to appear, 
of that sentence which will soon fix his -everlasting 
condition ? To think of these appalling subjects 
without fear and dread, requires a heart of adamant ; 
not to think of them under such circumstances, im- 
plies an ignorance and stupidity which are indica- 
tions of future anguish and despair. They may 
not intend it, but really the caution of some physi- 
cians, and of some friends, in such cases, is loud and 
solemn preaching. It enforces on us, like a voice 
from the grave, the warnings and declarations of 
the Bible : Remember noiv thy Creator, in the days 
of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the 
years draw nigh, ivhen thou shalt say, I have no 
pleasure in them : Behold, now is the accepted time; 
behold, now is the day of salvation : the night cometh, 
when no man can work. It tells us that health is 
the time to prepare for eternity ; that when sick- 
ness has prostrated us, when apprehensions of death 
are increasing every moment, it is then too late ; 
that then the patient is not to be alarmed, but qui- 
eted and cheered, if possible, with the kindly influ- 
ence of hope. But from whence is this hope to be 
derived ? His life has been an uninterrupted scene 
of iniquity for which there is not a shadow of ex- 
cuse ; will this quiet his fears, and cheer him with 
hope ? The jaws of death are just closing on him 
with their last tremendous crush ; will this animate 
his spirits ? Before him is the judgment-seat of 
Christ ; will this give tranquillity and peace to his 



204 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



mind ? No ; but still his danger is to be kept out 
of his view, and he is to be amused with the hope 
of recovery. Sometimes this delusive amusement 
is continued till his connection with this world is 
for ever dissolved, and he is before his judge. The 
fact is, that if he thinks of these subjects, it is at 
the peril of his life ; if he does not think of them, 
it is with the peril of his soul. 

On the other hand : Mark the perfect man, and 
beJiold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace. 
His faith in Christ secures the possession of this 
peace. Being justified by faith we have peace with 
G-od, through our Lord Jesus Christ. The dearest 
objects of his affections which he is leaving behind 
he can commend to the providence of his heavenly 
Father ; his afflictions he bears with patience and 
resignation ; the hope which he feels in a Saviour's 
death cheers and supports him ; death itself will be 
gain to him ; the Judge before whom he is to ap- 
pear is that Redeemer whom he loves, and who has 
bought him w T ith his blood. The pious affections of 
his heart will, therefore, preserve his mind in that 
state most favourable, if such should be the will of 
God, to his recovery. Nor does it require any artful 
disguise to feed the hope which quiets and cheers his 
mind ; it is fed by the truth and mercy of God. The 
church may lament his loss ; but he can rejoice in view 
of his eternal rest. His friends may weep around 
him ; but he can triumph in the language of faith : 
thanks be unto God who giveth me the victory. 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



205 



Our affections, it is well known, impart more or 
less of their own colouring to all objects -with which 
we are connected. The mind of melancholy cast 
sees every thing dressed in the sable hue of its own 
complexion. The mind constitutionally cheerful 
will view the same objects clothed in more inviting 
colours. On this principle the pious affections of 
the Christian contribute not a little to the happi- 
ness of his life ; a happiness which none but the 
Christian can enjoy. Love and hope are known to fill 
the mind with a steady and placid cheerfulness which 
imparts to every object a more pleasing aspect than 
that in which it would appear to a mind without 
these affections. That which is gloomy and distress- 
ing, is less so ; that which is agreeable, is more so, 
through their benign influence. 

In this way, can we not ascertain the meaning 
of that very remarkable promise of our Saviour : 
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 
To inherit is to possess as our own. But the pos- 
session of the things of this world is valuable no 
farther than they contribute to our happiness. Di- 
vest them of this tendency, and the possession of 
them is of no value, they cease to be desirable or 
interesting to us. Those things which we do en- 
joy, from which we derive real happiness, are, in 
the same proportion, and for this very reason, our 
own ; for they answer the only purpose for which 
possession is valuable. It is but little, compared 
with the whole, that we can enjoy, by the gratifica- 
18 



200 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



tion of our appetites ; for these appetites are lim- 
ited ; and satiety, disgust, and pain is the certain 
consequence of disregarding, or attempting to force, 
these limits. The Christian, in a legal sense, or 
according to the civil polity of his country, may 
possess but very little of this world ; yet in another 
sense, it is all his own. He views it through the 
medium of his affections, and particularly of love, 
and sees it dressed in those pleasing colours which 
these affections impart to it ; he derives less or more 
enjoyment from every part of it ; and with pro- 
priety it may be said, he inherits all that he enjoys. 
The splendours of wealth which only feed the pride 
or gratify the vanity of the legal possessor, are, to 
the pious mind, a display of the divine munificence 
and glory ; from this wealth, therefore, he derives 
a real pleasure, while that of the possessor may be 
only imaginary. If the earth, therefore, con- 
tributes to the happiness of the meek, it is their 
inheritance ; an inheritance of which they cannot 
be deprived, unless they can be divested of their 
pious affections. 

The Bible teaches us the true theory of human 
happiness ; and if we are not very widely mistaken, 
experience confirms this theory. When happiness 
is analyzed, it will be found to depend far less on 
external circumstances than on the state of the 
mind. You may look at the splendid palace, 
adorned with every ornament, supplied with every 
convenience and comfort which wealth can procure, 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



207 



yet the inhabitants may be among the most miser- 
able of mankind. Their appetites may be cloyed 
by repeated and excessive indulgence ; their minds 
disquieted by pride, ambition, jealousy, and envy ; 
torn and distracted by violent paroxysms of anger, 
by deep-rooted hatred, by implacable resentment ; 
constantly agitated with discontent, impatience, 
fretfulness, and a host of similar feelings. Here 
are the means of such enjoyments as this earth can 
afford, but no real pleasure, no rational happiness. 
Visit, again, the cottage of the poor, 'without a sin- 
gle ornament, convenience, or comfort which indicate 
wealth ; where every thing suggests the idea of 
poverty and want ; yet the tenants of this cottage 
may be among the happiest of mankind. Here is 
contentment with the condition in which Providence 
has placed them ; their scanty meals are received 
with gratitude, of course with real pleasure. This 
humble retreat is not invaded by the turbulence of 
guilty passions ; meekness, humility, kindness, and 
charity, impart a mild and heavenly serenity. Here 
faith, and hope, and love, exert their influence in 
purifying the heart, in regulating the life, in rais- 
ing the mind above this earth, and filling it with 
that joy and peace which flow from communion with 
God. The sun of worldly prosperity may visit 
them with but few of his rays ; but the sun of right- 
eousness warms and animates and cheers their souls 
with his heavenly beams. The favour of man may 
never smile upon them; but the favour of God, 



208 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



which is life, and his loving-kindness which is bet- 
ter than life, fills them with joy and peace. In the 
exercise of faith through the benign influence of 
hope and love they have a source of happiness wdthin 
themselves, not liable to be affected by the per- 
petual flux and reflux which characterizes all earthly 
pleasures. If the rivulets of worldly enjoyment 
should be left dry ; or, what is more, if they should 
flow with the bitter waters of affliction, they have, 
within themselves, a source of happiness which 
never fails. That river of life, which gladdens the 
city of God, flows with all its blessings into their 
hearts. The case is widely different with those w T ho 
have no other source of enjoyment than this world. 
Every change in their circumstances will, of course, 
affect their happiness ; one stroke of affliction will 
cut them off from their enjoyments. Nor have they, 
when thus separated from the world, any other re- 
source from whence real happiness can be derived. 
The world is their portion ; and when this is gone, 
they are left without relief from spiritual sources, 
to all the rude bufferings of adversity, and to all the 
corrodings of disappointed hopes and blasted ex- 
pectations. 

Whether that most excellent tract, The Shep- 
herd of Salisbury Plain, be "No Fiction,'' or not, 
we will not undertake to decide ; we are sure, how- 
ever, that it is not romance. A more simple, natu- 
ral, and touching narrative never flowed from an 
uninspired pen. Every shepherd, every man, how- 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



209 



ever humble his station, however straitened his 
circumstances, however numerous and pressing his 
afflictions, might be what this shepherd was ; a man 
of faith and prayer, a man of ardent and scriptural 
piety. This man exemplifies the power of the Bi- 
ble in supporting and cheering the mind under af- 
flictions, and filling it with undisturbed serenity and 
heavenly joy. He shows also the manner in which 
the Bible produces these effects ; by exciting his 
faith, his hope, his love, and his gratitude ; by 
habitually calling his thoughts from objects afflic- 
tive and discouraging, to those which were delight- 
ful and animating, from things visible and temporal 
to things spiritual and eternal. We hesitate not to 
affirm that this poor man, in his humble retreat, 
enjoyed more real happiness than the most wealthy 
man in the kingdom, without piety, could possibly 
do, not excepting even the monarch who reigned 
over him. Kay, we think it questionable whether 
the sun, which never sets on the British dominions, 
shines on a happier man than the Shepherd of 
Salisbury Plain. In offering this suggestion, we 
have not forgotten that some of the wealthy, and 
even some of the nobility of that empire are pious. 
In addition to their piety, they have the means of 
procuring those comforts of which the shepherd is 
deprived. He is, however, contented and cheerful, 
and happy with his coarse and scanty fare ; they 
can be no more with their comforts and their deli- 
cacies. Appetite enables him to derive as great a 
18 * 



210 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



degree of animal pleasure from his plain and simple 
meal, as they can from their accustomed provisions. 
There is very little difference, if any at all, between 
the enjoyment of animal pleasures, and perfect con- 
tentment without them. Would the presence of a 
little morsel of salt, or a mug of pure simple water 
on the table, or the prospect of a dry thatch over 
their heads, awaken in their hearts the same glow 
of grateful and joyful feeling which they did in his ? 
If not, then, surely he has the advantage of them; 
he enjoys more happiness than they. In the cata- 
logue of blessings for which they are thankful, these 
little things are overlooked ; the providence of 
God has taught him to notice and to value them as 
distinct and important additions to his happiness. 

We have, not unfrequently, visited the house of 
mourning, made such by death ; and have listened 
to the language of grief on these occasions. With 
close attention, we have observed the different 
character which sound scriptural piety, or the want 
of it, will give to the unrestrained language of sor- 
row. We have seen the husband taking the last 
look of the companion of his bosom ; a companion 
whom he loved more than he loved his God and 
his Saviour, more than any other object in exis- 
tence. She was the chief source of his happiness. 
He had lived without Cfod in the world : had not 
been in the habit of acknowledging the providence 
of God ; of tracing his blessings or his afflictions 
back to the wise and good designs of a Father in 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



211 



heaven. His views extended no farther than his 
own agency, and that of a few natural causes which 
had forced themselves on his observation. He has 
heard of the name of a Saviour, and of salvation 
through him ; but is as great a stranger to commu- 
nion with God, and is as incapable of deriving sup- 
port and consolation from the gospel and its rich 
provisions, as the very pagan who bows before the 
dumb idol. There is not in the wide world, nor in- 
deed in the universe, a substitute for the loss he 
has sustained in the death of a once beloved wife ; 
not a single object which can impart one cheering 
ray to his heart. Tell him of the virtues, the 
amiable qualities, of his late companion ; you only 
open the wounds in his heart, drive deeper the 
poniard of grief into his bleeding soul : for you 
thereby render more vivid and distressing the con- 
viction that she is gone, she is his no more. Tell 
him of the mercy, the compassion of God ; of the 
wise and gracious designs of Providence in this 
painful bereavement; you speak a language per- 
fectly unintelligible to him, which conveys no de- 
finite idea to his mind, and which, of course, can 
give him neither consolation nor support. The un- 
belief and impenitence of his heart repel these con- 
solations, so well calculated to cheer and sustain the 
pious mind. The dark and cheerless suggestions 
of philosophy or of infidelity cannot reach his case, 
nor remove the deep anguish which has seated itself 
in his soul. No support is derived from tracing 



212 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



back his affliction to some designing, intelligent, 
and gracious cause ; nor by viewing it connected 
"with future and lasting benefit to himself : it 
springs, he knows not whence ; it tends, he knows 
not whither. At this painful moment, his incoher- 
ent language, his violent exclamations, while they 
indicate the ardency of those affections now bereft 
of their object, and the agony of grief which he suf- 
fers, prove that he suffers without mitigation or re- 
lief, and that he knows not where to look for con- 
solation and support. By one stroke of affliction 
the world has become to him a perfect blank ; and 
unbelief and impiety have alienated his heart from 
that God who is a refuge in distress, a very present 
help in trouble. 

We have seen, on the other hand, a mother, 
whose sensibility of heart has not been diminished, 
but refined and improved, by the influence of the 
Bible, imprinting the last solemn kiss on the lips 
of a beloved child, now cold in death ; a child 
whose comparative innocence, whose tenderness, 
whose loveliness had entwined it with every fibre 
of the heart ; a child which she had received as an 
important trust from God, to whom she devoutly 
commended it in prayer ; over which she had often 
pondered with mingled emotions ; sometimes with 
pleasing hopes of its future piety and usefulness to 
the church ; sometimes with pensive apprehensions 
respecting the dark volume of futurity ; at one 
time, rejoicing with it through scenes of prosperity 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



213 



and happiness ; at another, recollecting the muta- 
bility of all sublunary prospects, the frailty and un- 
certainty of human life, clinging to it with unabated 
affection through seasons of adversity, with sleep- 
less anxiety, watching, and soothing, and cherish- 
ing it through the last sad hours of sickness, pour- 
ing a mother's blessing on it, as the last struggle 
and the last breath announce the departure of the 
spirit, and then resigning it to the grave, and com- 
mending herself to the mercy of her God and her 
Saviour. These last mournful anticipations have 
proved to be prophetic ; the last act of kindness, 
which maternal tenderness and affection could sug- 
gest, has been performed ; from her eye is now 
flowing the parting tear ; her bosom is now heaving 
the last adieu. The language which grief permits 
her to use, or by which grief seeks to assuage itself, 
proves that her distress is not less poignant, than 
it would have been, if the Bible had not impressed 
on her heart the image of the divine Saviour ; but 
it proves also that her distress is directed and con- 
trolled, and that she is supported by the exercise 
of faith, and hope, and love. By the light of faith 
she traces back this affliction to a wise and holy 
design, which was formed in the counsels of infinite 
wisdom, and which existed in the Divine mind be- 
fore the foundations of the world. She sees that 
this affliction, with all its circumstances, forms a 
part of a great plan, intended to prepare her for 
the joy of her Lord, for the rest and the bliss of 



214 THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



heaven. With a firm, though humble confidence, 
she believes it will work for her good, and promote 
her spiritual advantage. She suffers, indeed, but 
not as an orphan, without sharing in the tenderest 
sympathies of friendship. She views the rod which 
afflicts her in the hand of fatherly compassion, 
every stroke of which is measured by love. With- 
out one rebellious feeling, with meek and filial sub- 
mission, she resigns herself and her child to God, 
using the language of an afflicted saint of old, The 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; and 
then adding with a peculiar emphasis, which nothing 
but piety in distress could give ; blessed be the name 
of the Lord ! 

Few scenes are more impressive and useful, than 
to witness the Christian in affliction ; blessing the 
hand that smites him ; giving up, without a mur- 
mur, the dearest earthly object of affection; meet- 
ing the Saviour who approaches with his animating 
voice, on the waves of sorrow, which break all 
around him. Never does religion appear clothed 
in more lovely and heavenly attraction, than when 
calming the bosom, and cheering the spirit of the 
child of God, when suffering the correction of his 
heavenly Father. Let others, with thoughtless 
eagerness, rush to the house of feasting; partake 
of the sumptuous provision, collected from the four 
quarters of the globe; behold the splendours of 
wealth, and drown the reflections of death and 
eternity, amidst the pomp and the merriment of 



THE INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE. 



215 



this world : lead me to the house of mourning, to 
witness the power of faith, and hope, and love, in 
comforting and sustaining the Christian under the 
pressure of affliction ! 

Such is the Bible ; and such are the effects 
which it is producing ; and such are the strong 
claims which it has on the patronage and zeal of 
all who are friends to the cultivation and improve- 
ment of the human intellect; friends to the good 
order, the peace, and prospeaity of society ; friends 
to the real happiness of man ; friends to the cause 
of God. The most rational consolation and sup- 
port, the purest joy which man, in this vale of sor- 
row, can taste ; the brightest days which this dark, 
and miserable, and sinful world will ever witness, 
will be owing to the influence of the Book of God. 
The most enrapturing delights, and the sublimest 
glories of heaven itself, will result from the influence 
of the gospel. 



THE END 




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